Bio
Gomez finished 2007 ranked no. 1 in the world, and was crowned BG Triathlon World Cup Series champion. It was the second straight overall title for Gomez, an award that earned him a $40,000 bonus in 2007. At one point he finished on the podium in 15 straight races, and he has won nine World Cup events. The all-time record for World Cup victories is 11, by Canada’s Simon Whitfield.
Gomez has had to battle his own government’s sport governing body, which forced him to lose his international sporting license. According to Reuters, Spain rescinded the document in 2000 due to what he termed an abnormal heart valve. It took him until 2003 to win back the license with the help of independent counsel. After failing to make the Spanish Olympic team in 2004, he was again banned in 2005 by the Spanish Sports Council. By 2006, he was back competing, and has dominated the Olympic triathlon distance ever since.
“I had my best 1500-meter time ever this year,” Gomez told the ITU after the New Plymouth BG Triathlon World Cup. “…Under 16 minutes is enough for triathlon, I think, but I am not a very good swimmer in open water.” Gomez’ personal best for the 1500m swim is 15:45.
Gomez spent some of the winter training in South Africa, looking to improve his run. He entered a 10 km road race there, finishing third and running a 29:47.
Gomez’ first ever triathlon was at the age of 15, and he ran an Olympic distance race. He tells the ITU that from that moment on, he had fallen in love with the sport.
Gomez says that his father is the most influential person in his sporting life. Gomez’ father was an elite swimmer.
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