Records are meant to be broken, but it’s rare when the same athlete keeps doing the breaking. For Sergio Martinez Sanz, a sophomore computer science major from Madrid, Spain, the biggest competition this season hasn’t been the swimmers in the lanes beside him. It has been himself.
After narrowly missing a program record by less than a second last year, Martinez Sanz entered this season motivated to close that gap. That determination paid off in November, when he set three program records in the 500-, 1,000-, and 1,650-yard freestyle events. He later returned at nationals and broke two of those marks again, continuing to push his own limits.
“After missing it last year by less than a second, it feels good to finally make those times,” Martinez Sanz said. “I also qualified for nationals with those swims.”
For Martinez Sanz, reaching that milestone was about more than just hitting a time. It marked a turning point in his confidence and validated the work he had been putting in behind the scenes.
“I’m proud to be one of the record holders for the school,” Martinez Sanz said. “I want to keep improving those times and supporting the team.”
His journey this season has not been without challenges. After taking time away from the sport due to personal reasons, returning to competition required both physical and mental adjustment. Martinez Sanz leaned heavily on the people around him to find his rhythm again.
“I think having the team we have, along with our assistant coach Jillian, has been one of the main reasons I reached this goal,” Martinez Sanz said.
The Loyola distance group, known for its demanding training style, became a key source of support. Distance swimmers often endure longer, more detailed practices, spending extended time in the water and pushing through fatigue without the same taper opportunities as sprinters.
“The support from everyone, especially my distance group, has meant everything,” Martinez Sanz said.
He described the group as more than just teammates, emphasizing the bond that developed through shared challenges.
“They’ve been there during tough times,” Martinez Sanz said. “Sometimes I didn’t feel comfortable at practice. Sometimes I was dealing with things outside the pool.”
That support extended beyond swimming, helping him navigate personal struggles and maintain his mental health throughout the season.
“They helped me through all of that,” Martinez Sanz said. “They’ve pushed me to my limits this entire year.”
Even in a competitive environment, Martinez Sanz said the team culture remains rooted in encouragement and accountability.
“They’re like my family,” Martinez Sanz said. “Even though we compete against each other, we celebrate each other’s achievements.”
Balancing academics and athletics is another challenge Martinez Sanz has learned to manage over time. Having competed since he was five years old, he has developed routines that help him stay on track in both areas.
“The main thing is staying organized and on top of everything,” Martinez Sanz said.
He noted that maintaining proper rest, while difficult, plays a crucial role in sustaining performance both in the classroom and in the pool.
“Rest is really important too, even though it can be difficult,” Martinez Sanz said.
Looking ahead, Martinez Sanz remains focused on building off his success. With two more years of eligibility, he aims to continue lowering his times and making an impact at the national level.
“I want to keep breaking my records and help the team as much as I can,” Martinez Sanz said.
He also emphasized the importance of team goals, particularly in relay events, where collective performance becomes just as important as individual success.
“Relays are a big goal too,” Martinez Sanz said. “Those are the most fun, and I think we’re close to breaking those records as a team.”
For younger swimmers aspiring to reach a similar level, Martinez Sanz pointed to consistency and mindset as key factors.
“One bad practice or race doesn’t define you,” Martinez Sanz said.
He encouraged athletes to trust their preparation and focus on controllable factors when it matters most.
“Stay consistent. Trust your training. Rely on the people around you,” Martinez Sanz said. “When you step on the blocks, focus on what you can control.”
From falling just short of a record to rewriting multiple entries in the record book, Martinez Sanz’s season has become a story of persistence, growth, and resilience. With continued support from his team and a drive to keep improving, he is proving that his fastest swims may still be ahead of him.
