Jorge Otaiza wants to fulfill the Olympic dream

Published at: 13/11/2025 09:07 PM

Venezuelan swimmer Jorge Eliézer Otaiza Hernández is one of the candidates to carry the national standard in the upcoming Lima-Ayacucho 2025 Bolivarian Games, an honor reserved for those athletes who, in addition to their talent, demonstrate leadership, discipline and a history of international achievements that make the country proud.

At the age of four, he had his first experience in the pools of Parque Naciones Unidas at the Club Paraíso GT, of which he treasures the best memories and lessons of his childhood. At that time, I had no idea that it was the beginning of a career that today places him as one of the most representative swimmers in the country.

Family heritage

Few people know that swimming was not his first choice, because karate, music, and other sports activities tempted him. The person responsible for his first contact with water was his late father, Eliézer Otaiza, an accomplished swimmer, who at six months of age submerged Jorge in the pool.

“He didn't teach me how to swim. He taught me to understand water. Swimming wasn't my strongest choice, but it was the only one that never left me and was always there,” he confesses.

Otaiza Sr. was a man of character, disciplined, with a sporting vision. He was their first coach, first mentor and first hero. “My dad was the one who taught me what high performance is. With perseverance, work and responsibility”, recalls the newt

Olympic dream

When his father left this plane prematurely, Jorge was 18 years old. That's when swimming stopped being a hobby and became a lifestyle. “After his death, I decided to take it as my profession. Not just in his name, but in mine. Because his dream was to see me become an Olympic athlete.”

At 19, at the 2022 World Cup in Budapest, he was very close to qualifying for the semifinals. It was the fruit of years of methodical training, patience and perseverance. Since then, his career has seen him become Bolivarian, South American, Central American champion and Junior Pan American medalist.

Mazo News Team