Hugo González’s Remarkable Comeback: “Only Those Who Believe They Can Win, Actually Do”
Hugo González, the Spanish swimming sensation from Palma de Mallorca, embodies the spirit of a true comeback. After falling short of qualifying for the World Championships in Singapore last July, he roared back to prominence by clinching his first European gold medal in short course pools, specifically in the 200m individual medley. He also earned a bronze in the 4x50m medley relay at the European Short Course Championships in Lublin just weeks ago.
González attributes his resurgence to adapting to a new training environment in Spain. Having spent many years training in California under coach Dave Durden, he shifted back to Club Natació Terrassa under the guidance of Raúl Navalón. González explained, “I needed a reset after last year to adjust the training plan.” This reset included embracing year-round training within the club system, allowing him to regain competitive edge with a fresh mindset.
When asked if missing the Singapore World Championships was part of his plan, González affirmed his focus was never on a single event, but on building a solid long-term foundation. The key was establishing harmony with his coach in Terrassa, which is finally paying dividends.
Mentorship has been pivotal for Hugo’s career. He credits Sergi López for opening doors to American universities such as Auburn and Virginia Tech. López remains a crucial figure for him and other Spanish champions like Carles Coll.
Hugo also highlights the untapped potential of Spain’s relay teams. According to him, Spain possesses a “diamond without polish” in relays but lacks consistent relay programs and collaboration among swimmers. He stressed the importance of a mental shift to capitalize on this.
González’s training stint with the legendary Bob Bowman, mentor of Michael Phelps, provided new perspectives on swimming. Bowman’s program incorporates intense aerobic series combined with specific workouts, which differs from González’s previous regimes. While he does not plan to immediately return to Bowman’s coaching, Hugo appreciates the exposure to varied methods.
Looking ahead, González aims for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. At 26, he remains confident that continuing to lower his personal bests is the path to Olympic gold. “Only those who think they can win, actually do win,” he declared, emphasizing that belief and ambition drive success.
Balancing academics with sport, Hugo is now pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering online through UCAM in Spain, a shift from his previous studies in the United States. This balance supports his dual commitment to sport and education.
With renewed energy and a clear vision, Hugo González is steering Spanish swimming toward new heights—with confidence that his best years lie ahead.
Read more at: as.com
