Jocotepec youth wins open water swimming tournament
Has won more than 60 swimming medals

At 11 years of age, Francisco Neymar Díaz Navarro put Jocotepec on the map by winning first place in his category at the national open water swimming tournament, Iron Swim, held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 in Bucerías, Nayarit.

Francisco Neymar competed in the children’s 1-kilometer (.62-mile) category, swimming the thousand meters in the sea in an official time of 11 minutes and 13 seconds, according to his chip, with an average speed of 5.35 kilometers per hour (about 3.32 mph), which was enough to beat the other six competitors.

He started in aquatic sports at the age of eight, attending the TYM Chapala Swimming Club as part of a summer course, with his consistency and discipline being key to his triumphs.

Fabiana, his swimming teacher, has also been a factor in Francisco’s athletic development, taking her students to the Club Atlas facilities every month to optimize their training activities.

In addition to recognition from his swimming school, Francisco Neymar can boast more than 60 medals in swimming competitions. 

Translated and edited by Bruce Bernhart