Under the surface: Water sports

Recreational and high-performance swimming in the Benito Juárez municipality

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-16) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Francisco Márquez Olympic Pool

Inaugurated in 1968, this iconic pool has been the stage of Olympic feats and to this day continues to be a pillar of sport and community in Benito Juárez.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-22) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Sporting legacy

Stories of perseverance and triumph echo in these waters, from Felipe "El Tibio" (The Lukewarm) Muñoz to the new generations, each one adding to a glorious legacy.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-16) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Diving traditions

The Benito Juárez divers Diego García and Tolotl Martínez are keeping the tradition alive, training in the same waters that saw the emergence of the sport's Mexican legends.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex, Alejandro Rodriguez Torres, 2023-11-16, From the collection of: Alcaldía Benito Juárez
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Mexico 68 Olympic Complex, Alejandro Rodriguez Torres, 2023-11-16, From the collection of: Alcaldía Benito Juárez
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Mexico 68 Olympic Complex, Alejandro Rodriguez Torres, 2023-11-16, From the collection of: Alcaldía Benito Juárez
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Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-22) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Sirenas Especiales

The Benito Juárez waters are also home to an extraordinary group: The Sirenas Especiales (The Special Sirens). This group of athletes have Down syndrome and are an inspiration to all with their beautiful synchronized swimming routines. Reminding us all that sport knows no limits.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex, Alejandro Rodriguez Torres, 2023-11-22, From the collection of: Alcaldía Benito Juárez
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Mexico 68 Olympic Complex, Alejandro Rodriguez Torres, 2023-11-22, From the collection of: Alcaldía Benito Juárez
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Mexico 68 Olympic Complex, Alejandro Rodriguez Torres, 2023-11-22, From the collection of: Alcaldía Benito Juárez
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Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-16) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Water polo: Strategy and strength

The Mexico '68 Olympic Complex is also home to one of the most demanding water sports: water polo. A sport combining strategy and resistance to shape complete athletes.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-16) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Rules and strategy

In water polo, two teams compete to score the most goals. All players must only use one hand, except for the goalkeeper. Interestingly, a leather soccer ball was used up until 1936, which became heavy when wet.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-16) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Key positions in water polo

Water polo stands out from the crowd due to its special positions: hole set, center forward, and the goalkeeper, a master of defense. Except for the goalkeeper, no players may touch the bottom of the pool, thus adding an extra challenge to the game.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-16) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Mexican water polo

Originating from 19th century British water polo, the sport has evolved significantly. In 1975, Mexico won a gold medal in the Pan American Games.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex, Alejandro Rodriguez Torres, 2023-11-16, From the collection of: Alcaldía Benito Juárez
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Mexico 68 Olympic Complex, Alejandro Rodriguez Torres, 2023-11-16, From the collection of: Alcaldía Benito Juárez
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Mexico 68 Olympic Complex, Alejandro Rodriguez Torres, 2023-11-16, From the collection of: Alcaldía Benito Juárez
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Vicente Saldivar Sports Center (2023-11-06) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Development and training

Every stroke in the pool is a step toward excellence. In the waters of various pools, children and adults alike are immersed in a world of discipline, self-improvement and teamwork.

Vicente Saldivar Sports Center (2023-11-06) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Family spaces

The Vicente Saldívar Sports Center is a place for older adults to train alone or with their families, promoting a healthy lifestyle and a better sense of community.

Joaquín Capilla Sports Center (2023-10-25) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Children and legends

In the waters of the Joaquín Capilla Sports Center, children are inspired by the older athletes and the legends who have swum in these pools. Kick-starting a life of sports and dreams.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-22) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Community center

Over time, the pools in Benito Juárez have become community hubs, where health, sport and family life are intertwined to strengthen the social fabric.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-16) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Events and competitions

Home to national and international competitions, these facilities are a stage where dreams are forged and sporting achievements celebrated.

Mexico 68 Olympic Complex (2023-11-16) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez

Under the surface: A legacy of water and glory

With sights set on the future, Benito Juárez continues to promote water sports, ensuring that the next waves of athletes have a place to shine.

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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