Luis González

Considered to be the first great Colombian swimmer, Luis González rose to prominence after the end of World War II, winning a plethora of international medals. González had his first success in 1946 when he won gold in both the 400 and 1,500 metres freestyle at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla. The following year he dominated at the Bolivarian Games in Lima, winning gold in the 200, 400, 800, and 1,500 metres freestyle, along with bronze in both the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 metres freestyle relays.

In 1948 Colombia sent a small delegation of six athletes to the London Olympics with González being one of two swimmers to represent the nation. Despite his impressive performances in South America, he could not replicate his success at the Games, having a best finish of 13th in the 1,500 metres freestyle. After the Olympics he won further medals, including bronze in the 400 metres freestyle at the 1949 South American Aquatics Championships and bronze in the 4 x 200 metres freestyle relay a year later at the Central American and Caribbean Games. González finished his career on a high with gold in both the 100 and 400 metres freestyle at the 1951 Bolivarian Games, along with silver in the 4 x 200 metres freestyle relay. Following his swimming career González became an entrepreneur, running a sales warehouse for tyres in Cali.