Swimming (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Origins of swimming
Swimming is the human ability to move through water using coordinated rhythms. Since ancient times, it has been used for war, trade, and survival.
From survival to the Olympics
Swimming evolved from a survival skill to an Olympic competition in 1896, with styles such as freestyle and butterfly, and forms like artistic swimming and diving.
Swimming (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Cradle of Mexican swimming
In Mexico, the first pool built for sporting purposes was called 'Pane,' dating from the late 19th century. Among its many uses, it stood out as one of the first swimming teaching centers.
Puerto Rico Rivers (1965)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexican swimming at the Olympics
In 1924, the Mexican swimming team qualified to participate in the Paris Olympic Games. However, it wasn't until the 1968 Games that Mexico managed to win medals: one gold with the victory of Felipe Muñoz and a bronze thanks to the swimmer María Teresa Ramírez.
Felipe "Tibio" Muñoz (1968)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
From Olympic gold to sports leader
Felipe 'El Tibio' Muñoz, who won gold in the 200 m breaststroke in 1968, transcended the pool to lead the Mexican Sports Confederation and the Olympic Committee, promoting sports in Mexico.
Mexican diving legend
A pioneer in diving, Joaquín Capilla won bronze in London 1948 and added further medals in 1952 and 1956, raising Mexico's standard in the Olympics and being honored with the National Sports Award in 2009.
Tehuacán Swimming Team, Puebla (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Health and talent since the 1950s
From the 1950s, IMSS catalyzed the sporting boom in Mexico, strengthening health and well-being through investment in infrastructure and fostering athletic talent.
Stars of the pool in the 1970s
This process culminated in the 1970s with Yolanda Mendiola, who shone in the Pan American Games 1975 and 1979, and Martha Velázquez, who broke the butterfly record in 1979, marking a golden era for Mexican women's swimming.
Swimming (1955)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Aquatic elegance
Synchronized swimming, originating from the acrobatics of Annette Lellerman, evolved with music by Catherine Curtis. In 1955, it made its competitive debut during the Pan American Games in Mexico.
Swimming (1958-05-15)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Swimmers of Chapultepec
Synchronized swimming flourished in Mexico during the 1950s at the Chapultepec Sports Center and expanded to institutions such as IMSS and UNAM, notably Elizabeth Cervantes and Rosario Peralta.
Swimming (1955)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Theatrical swimming
It is worth mentioning that, in the midst of the development of national competitions (1980-1990), synchronized swimming focused on staging musical works adapted for 'aquatic ballet' such as Cats, Through Some Countries of the World, Child's Heart, and The Flintstones, among others.
Synchronized (1984)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Officialization of synchronized swimming
At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, synchronized swimming was presented as an exhibition sport combining swimming, gymnastics, and water dance, and in Seoul 1988 as an official sport (individual and duet).
Swimming (1945)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Forging the future of swimming
The participation of university students and professional athletes in swimming undoubtedly paved the way for future generations. It is a sport that demands perseverance, discipline, and commitment.
This story was created with information and support from Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.