2023-10-21 21:19:05
SANTIAGO (AP) — Following in the footsteps of his father Alberto, a swimming legend in Venezuela, Alfonso Mestre won his first medal in a Pan American Games this Saturday. He has four left to equal his parent’s record.
Alfonso finished second in the men’s 400 meter freestyle final, 83 tenths behind Brazilian Guilherme Costa, who established a new Pan American record with a time of 3:46.79. American James Plage won bronze.
“I had high expectations for this first Pan American. I gave my best, happy with the first medal,” Alfonso, 22, who trains at the University of Florida, told The Associated Press. “I hope to give more in the coming days.”
There is something in the Mestre genetics that makes them feel unbeatable in the water.
Alberto won five medals at the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracas and was a finalist at the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Alberto Jr, the oldest of the brothers, has not yet stood on the podium in a major competition, but like Alfonso he will be in his second Olympic Games in 2024.
“We have a good dynasty as a family and I hope to continue building it for the family name,” said Alfonso.
His expectations are in the 800 meters that he will compete soon in the recently inaugurated Aquatic Center of the National Stadium, although it is impossible not to think about Paris.
“We are happy to be at the same level as elite athletes. We hope to take the Mestre surname as high as possible and, God willing, leave a good role in these Pan American Games and in Paris 2024,” concluded the Venezuelan swimmer.
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