In Somabay, Dennis Gonzalez quietly made history. The Spanish artistic swimmer became the first man to compete in his country’s team free routine—and helped secure a gold medal in the process. It was one of three golds he earned at the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup in Egypt, marking a milestone weekend in and out of the pool.
Becoming the first man to compete in Spain's team event wasn’t a matter of chance—it was a dream Dennis Gonzalez chased with unwavering dedication.
“I dreamed a lot for this moment, many times. I worked really hard for this as well. I’m so happy because I did everything, I needed to be in the Spanish artistic swimming team,” Gonzalez shares.
A Gold Hat-Trick in Somabay
Reflecting on his historic triple-gold achievement, Dennis shares how the season came together:
“This year is an amazing season. We have new trainers, and everything is different. We started the season together, as a team. It is a pleasure to be in the Spanish artistic swimming team. It is not a gift for me, I fight to stay in the team. I am very happy to win three gold at the World Cup in Somabay.”
Making a Statement Through Team Participation
Gonzalez believes his presence in the team event sends a powerful message about inclusivity and evolving aspect of the sport.
“I think adding the males in the choreography of the team event is important. You can use the strength of the male body inside the team to do different things. The lifts, the acrobatics—men bring something new.”
A First That Will Inspire Many
The 21-year-old is already inspiring the next generation.
“Two years ago, we didn’t see many men. Now, there are so many kids training. I think I see more than 50% increase in Spain and globally. It makes me so happy to be a reference for them as well.”
Overcoming Criticism and Doubts
Growing up, Dennis faced criticism for choosing a path less common for men but he remained committed.
“I loved dancing, I loved the water. This artistic swimming sport had it all for me. I have the passion as well, which drives me even in difficult moments—like feeling isolated and alone in the women’s team or training 10 hours a day. My mom and my family helped a lot, as well as the coaches. Their support made me stronger.”
From Duets and Solos to Team Event
After years focused on solos and duets, the Spanish native found artistic fulfillment through team routines.
“I am expressive. In duets last year, I couldn’t express myself artistically. In the team, I found that spark again. It makes me better in duets and overall, as an artistic swimmer.”
Injuries, Setbacks and Strength
His journey has been marked by challenges.
“Every year, an injury,” Gonzalez says.
“In 2023, my foot. 2024, arm surgery. This year, I broke my knee.”
But Dennis refuses to be defined by setbacks.
“These things make me stronger. This year my injury was at the beginning of the season, so I had time to recover and stay focused and avoid repeating mistakes.”
Olympic Dreams
Although the inclusion of men in artistic swimming team at the Olympic Games was approved in December 2022, no male athletes were selected to compete in their respective teams at Paris 2024 Olympics.
“Paris 2024 news came in 2022, just two years before the Olympics, so it was short in time for men to prepare and be part of the team.”
Gonzalez admits the decision not to have the mixed duet events at Los Angeles 2028 was “not good news” but he is trying to remain positive.
“We have tried, but I keep hope because in the last four years ahead of Paris 2024 men inside the team was confirmed and that was in 2022, so I think we have time and it’s not the end. We are happy to have the opportunity in the team and we will fight to stay in these events.”
He is a strong advocate for the inclusion of men in artistic swimming at the Olympic level, believing it will revolutionize the sport.
“When we see men in teams at the Olympic Games, it’ll grow faster. It’s a fight—not just for men, but for coaches, for women too. We all deserve the same when we work the same.”
He has his sights set firmly on Los Angeles 2028.
“I want to stay in. I want to compete. But not just to participate—we want medals. We’re not here just to make history. We want to win.”
Adapting to New Rules
Recent rule changes in artistic swimming initially frustrated Dennis, but he adapted with time.
“Last year, we had the new rules applied in World Championships as the first competition. This year, we had time to find the right track through learning, testing, and preparing through World Cups and then World Championships. In this year’s World Championships in Singapore, we aim to win with artistic impression. And that’s our goal—to be the best, in the artistic impression.”
His ultimate goal isn’t just gold—it’s to achieve excellence and consistency.
“We don’t look at other countries. We fight for our routines. We do in the competitions what we do in the training every day. We want to be the Dream Team.”
Looking Ahead
Even with multiple titles already in his career, Dennis remains focused and grounded.
“Yes, I have gold medals. But the most important thing is to show our best every time. The passion we bring. That’s what matters.”