Opening the door to LA and beyond
Today, Ribes is a friend and Mengual one of his coaches.
González made his mark on the sport in the last two seasons, becoming European champion in the solo technical event in 2024. He also took gold in the mixed duets – winning the technical with Mireia Hernandez and the free with Emma García.
Still, the challenges have continued. A video of González’s win in the solo event sparked an onslaught of hateful comments online. It was a painful moment that tested his resolve.
“My first instinct was to hide,” González admitted.
Instead, he chose to speak up, posting a video denouncing the attacks and standing tall in the face of adversity.
“If I show weakness, how is a younger person supposed to face those comments? I want to show that no matter what, I’ll keep doing what I love,” he said.
Now, González and Spain are headed to the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, looking to reclaim their world titles from 2023 and make more history in the pool. But beyond more medals, González is looking for assurance – assurance that he belongs and that his destiny may one day take him all the way to that coveted Olympic stage.
“This year my goal was to be on the team, to prove I can be here and fight,” he said. “It’s a team of eight people and you have to work hard for your place. I love challenges. They’re what push me to keep going.”
There’s something else that pushes him, too.
“If even one kid starts artistic swimming because of me, that’s more important than any medal,” González said.
It’s that perspective that makes his journey feel bigger than sport – one that, no matter the ultimate outcome, has already left its mark. With one foot in the door, progress has already been achieved. And no doubt, more will follow.