Gabriel Castano trains seven days a week at the Texas Ford Aquatics Center in Frisco.
FRISCO, Texas — All eyes are on Gabriel Castano as he prepares to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The 26-year-old improved on his own 2021 Mexican national record twice over the final three days of the final qualifying session of the 2024 Pro Swim Series in San Antonio. He currently leads the men’s 50m freestyle heats with a time of 21.67 seconds, beating American Ryan Held (21.68) by just one hundredth of a second.
According to SwimSwam record data, Castano’s previous record time of 22.01 has not been beaten since the Fran Crippen Swim Meet of Champions in June 2021.
Castano trains seven days a week at the Texas Ford Aquatics Center in Frisco, Texas.
His dream is to bring a medal to his native Mexico for the first time since 1968.
Felipe Muñoz won Mexico’s first and to date only swimming medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
“If you would have told me six years ago that I would be doing this, I would never have believed you,” Castano said. “I grew up in Monterrey and moved to the United States when I was 12.”
Gabriel’s swimming career began in Pennsylvania, where he joined the high school swim team. The Allentown Central Catholic High School graduate broke records at Penn State and competed in the men’s 50-meter freestyle at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.
“I didn’t perform as well as I wanted in Tokyo,” Castano said. “I’m stronger this time and my family is here to support me. It’s not a cheap trip and it’s a humbling feeling to defend my family’s honor.”
He will again compete in the 50m freestyle.
“You just have to hold your breath and give it your all for 21 seconds. The top eight are separated by seconds,” Castano said.
He has trained with Matt King, who represents Team USA internationally, is an SEC and ACC champion and a seven-time NCAA All-American.
“Matt has been a great training partner and friend,” Castano said. “He’s really pushed me to my limits and built my endurance.”
Inside the Texas Ford Aquatics Center there is a giant sign decorated with the five Olympic rings wishing Gabe and Matt good luck in Paris.
“It’s the hardest sport, but I love it.”
