After a technical disqualification over the weekend, Aquiles Heredia rallied with a stellar effort in the breaststroke today—earning his first big win of the games, a silver medal!
He also cut nearly six seconds off his previous time. In fact, Aquiles has improved his swim times in every event of the Games, including the 50m freestyle and the 4x100m relay.
"He trains so very hard," says his mother, Mercedes Heredia, who was there to see today's award-winning effort. "And he is so very dedicated."
Aquiles' dedication has been inspiring to his Venezuela teammates, who have needed the boost during their country's recent social and economic turmoil. Venezuela had long been one of the biggest delegations from Latin America at global events; but for these Games, Venezuela was only able to send 21 people, including athletes, Unified teammates and coaches.
With today's victory by Aquiles, it now looks like every athlete in this small delegation will medal in their sport—which will be some welcome good news to bring when they return home.
Before the Games began, Aquiles' promised to do his best and win a medal—and he did! #Cheers4Champions
