Rogelio Rivas

In 1964 track sprinter Rogelio Rivas became the first Spanish athlete to run the 100 metres in 10.4 seconds. Rivas began his career in the late 1950s, becoming the Spanish junior champion in both the 100 and 200 metres. Consistent performances earned him a place on the Olympic team, with him running in the 100 metres at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His performance at the Games, however, were hindered due to an injury, with Rivas finishing last in his heat in a time of 11.1 seconds.

Rivas continued to suffer with muscle problems, forcing him to change from the 100 metres to the 400 metres. The change worked, as he won his first Spanish national title in the event in 1965, followed by further titles in 1967 and 1970. In 1967 he won silver in both the 400 metres and the 4 x 400 metres relay at the Mediterranean Games in Tunis. Rivas retired from athletics when he was only 26-years-old and went on to work as a state surveyor.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.4 (1964); 200 – 21.6 (1962); 400 – 47.3 (1970).