A newt with no limits
- Iván
- Jul 3, 2022
- 3 min read
Among the essential names in the history of sport -both nationally and worldwide- are some of those who came to the practice of physical exercise through the incomprehensible vagaries of life. They were so identified with the discipline that they became heroes or heroines. Even today, their marks seem indecipherable.
Jorge Ignacio Crespo Pajés is one of those boys who has made swimming an indispensable part of his life. When he was only eleven days old, he made his debut as a severe asthmatic. This condition worsened with the passing of the years and the increase of the crises.
These were difficult days, due to the constant pulmonary infections that the child had. The nights were endless and the trips to the medical institutions were continuous. He became very desperate due to the lack of air, and we were with him. This is how his mother, Liliam Pajés Mora, evokes Jorgito's childhood.
After agreeing to the requests of friends and doctors to take the little boy to an environment close to the sea as a palliative for his condition, the parents decided to enroll him in swimming. Thus, in search of help for the boy's poor health, they went to the Cesáreo Fernández school, located to the west of the Cuban capital.
Jorgito began his long training sessions. At first, we didn't think he could do it, said Liliam, because he had to swim long distances and he got very tired. But little by little he adapted. His breathing began to improve, and his times became shorter and shorter as he completed the entire course.
His teachers saw in him an exceptional swimmer in the freestyle, especially in the short sections. For this reason, his coach at the time decided to focus his preparation on the 50 and 100 meters, distances where he obtained top places in the competitions in which he participated.
His performance was increasing, a reason that allowed him to participate in various competitions, including the National School Games. In these events he found the culmination of so many years of dedication to sport and school, yes, because his academic index was always among the best.
From the pools Jorgito has taken the not inconsiderable figure of more than fifty medals of different colors. The prize for the arduous days of training, where the family was also involved, fundamental architect.
Jorge Crespo is the father of this little champion. There wasn't a morning when he didn't leave the house early in the morning to take his son to school. It was striking for those gathered there to see how this man encouraged his son, or how he left his soul at the edge of the pool while his little newt was closing the gap and leaving his rivals behind.
The countless efforts find success and satisfaction after such remarkable results. Jorge (his father) can't avoid tears when he sees him perched on the top of the podium with his chest full of golden medals.
The family in general is proud of the first-born son. Without their support -from each and every one of its members- it would have been impossible for him to achieve his dream of becoming a multi medalist in the School Games and a magnificent swimmer.
Today Jorgito does not even remember the asthma. His health condition is excellent. Now his challenge is different: to get a degree in Psychology from the University of Havana, a career he is currently studying. His passion for swimming pools is still intact, although he no longer trains with the rigor of yesteryear. Now, he admits, he focuses on his studies and prepares in his spare time to do battle in the Caribbean Games (a multi-discipline sporting event that brings together students from Cuba's oldest university).
Perhaps this champion will one day return to swimming actively. Or serve as an example to many young people who, like him,
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