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Jonathan Gomez and siblings, Valentina and Maicoll. Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Gomez<\/p><\/div>\n

Poring over the words within the bindings of his textbooks guided Gomez to create meaningful chapters in his life. He used his dictionaries to decipher the teachers\u2019 lessons and translate unknown words. Because of his persistence to study the language, Gomez learned English in just six months – an amazing feat, considering he began his education knowing none.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe immersed ourselves in the American culture and the determination to be the best, both in school and in our sport,\u201d says Gomez.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Gomez<\/p><\/div>\n

Discovering Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The drive instilled in Gomez carries beyond his education and into the sport of swimming. But for Gomez, swimming did not begin as a fun activity – it meant survival. <\/span>Since birth, Gomez had been experiencing serious respiratory problems as a result of severe asthma. Countless stays in the ICU caused his parents much worry. The medications that he was prescribed only aggravated his symptoms, leaving them helpless with seemingly no possible solution. However, his parents did not give up on his journey toward a healthy recovery. That is when he began swimming.<\/span><\/p>\n
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Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Gomez<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cThis decision to join the sport [of swimming] became my livelihood. Each day I got in the pool, my lungs expanded and the willingness to survive through swimming enhanced my ability to thrive for a brighter future in the sport and show my capabilities at such a young age to defy the odds of dying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
Lifelong Family<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What began as a way to overcome his illness has grown into his passion.\u00a0<\/span>Gomez has trained with Scarlet Aquatics<\/a> in New Jersey for most of his life, traveling up to two hours by train and bus to attend practices. Despite the health and transportation difficulties, Gomez reflects on his love for the team and his support system: \u201cThis team has been my home, my safe space and my confidant for the last 10 years; and without it, I wouldn\u2019t be here today. I thank my parents, siblings, my amazing team Scarlet Aquatics, the coach that has been with me through everything; Mohamed <\/strong>[Abdelaal<\/strong>]. But especially, I wouldn\u2019t be here today without God; my life has been devoted to him, and all I have achieved is because of him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
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Jonathan pictured with sister, Valentina Gomez and coach, Mohamed Abdelaal. Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Gomez<\/p><\/div>\n
Abdelaal, who has grown to know Gomez as not only an athlete but also as a person, reflects on being his coach: “Jonathan Gomez is a relentless warrior. His greatest gift is his motivation and work ethic. In our program, we often talk about pursuing excellence in all aspects of our lives. Jonathan embodies excellence to the fullest.<\/span> He is kind, compassionate and personable outside the pool, yet a cage lion inside the pool.”<\/p>\n
In addition to club swimming, Gomez was also coached by Abdelaal for two years as he swam for St. Peter\u2019s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, before completing his college swimming career at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.<\/span><\/p>\n
International Stage<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/ZUDz8gxqLw\/<\/p>\n
Gomez\u2019s journey to great success escalated at just sixteen years old when he qualified for the World Junior Championships<\/span> in Dubai – his first taste of elite international competition. He credits this meet as a turning point for the rest of his swimming career. Gomez soon realized he could potentially accomplish great things if he continued to push past his biggest challenges.<\/p>\n
At age twenty, Gomez qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games. There, he competed in the Men\u2019s 200 Meter Butterfly, qualifying for semifinals. Traveling and competing on the world\u2019s biggest stage was not just any other meet for Gomez. He recalls, \u201cIt was an experience of a lifetime that gave me the encouragement and the hunger to strive for more and become an example to Colombian generations that no matter how big or far away an obstacle may seem, there will always be a way to achieve this goal through honesty, faith, and resilience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
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A post shared by Jonathan Gomez Noriega (@jonathangomez.col)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n