Swimmer-on-the-rise, Miguel Ortiz, is embracing his relatively new role of professional swimmer watching his career follow an upward trajectory. The Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Spanish National swimmer competes for Club Wolverine Elite and has steadily been making a name for himself through solid performances at several domestic and international events.
Born in Madrid, Spain, but raised in Tokyo, Japan, Ortiz performed splendidly at the first two stops of the Arena Pro Swim Series, beginning with Minneapolis where he earned a first-place victory in the 100y butterfly, as well as two second-place achievements in the 100y backstroke and 100y freestyle events. Ortiz followed up on that success with two Finals swims at the Austin edition, earning eighth place in the 100m backstroke and fifth place in the 50m freestyle.
At Spanish Nationals in December, Ortiz went an astounding 6-for-6 in individual events, earning gold medals in the 50m/100m freestyle, 50m/100m backstroke, 100m IM, and 50m butterfly races. Ortiz also made his presence known on the World Cup circuit throughout 2014, topping the podium in the 50m backstroke at the Tokyo stop, beating the likes of Eugene Godsoe and Mitch Larkin in the process.
What is the magic formula behind Ortiz’ ascendancy? He certainly credits his time swimming for the University of Michigan as part of what makes him one of the world’s “swimmers to watch.” Having come from a small 4-person team in Japan, Ortiz embraced the overall team experience that is characteristic of the Wolverines’ close-knit squad, stressing that “the team feel of Michigan” is not just a myth; it is a critical ingredient in the formula of the University’s success both in and out of the pool.
As part of 2013’s NCAA Championship-winning 200y medley relay, Ortiz was able to cap off his collegiate career and feel confident taking the next step to enter the realm of professional swimming. Continuing with primarily his same coaches and several graduating teammates as part of Club Wolverine Elite, Ortiz finds daily motivation and encouragement within his training group. Swimming alongside Junya Koga, Geoff Cheah, Zack Hayden and Hassaan Abdel Khalik on a recurring basis provides an environment described as a “friendly rivalry” that thrives on pushing each other to succeed. The group focuses on quality over quantity through a variety of aerobic and race pace work focusing on the sprint events.
Ortiz, an 8-time NCAA All-American, also contributes his professional swimming success thus far to the enormous day-to-day schedule that he is able to manage, and at just 23 years of age. In addition to at least nine swimming and three weight lifting sessions per week, Ortiz is also a full-time graduate student at Eastern Michigan University, studying hotel/restaurant management. He somehow works 20 hours a week as a graduate assistant at EMU as well.
In his words, however, his full plate only helps him maximize his time in the pool. Ortiz emphasizes that having school, a job – makes swimming less stressful, as they help him to not just be focused on swimming all of the time. “It’s all about balance”, he reiterates. Helping him finance his life balance is sponsor Optical Express, a laser eye surgery company based out of Scotland, although Ortiz relishes the opportunity to earn prize money on the meet circuit. The chance to rake in monetary awards is just another incentive for this dynamic swimmer to push ahead day in, day out.
The concept of money as it relates to swimming also taps into Ortiz’s thoughts on how to grow the sport he loves. As a product of a family with a casino-running background, Ortiz sees opportunities to combine the sport of swimming with the world of gambling with such ideas as a professional swim league and a betting house for swimming. Ortiz sees an increase of cash flow into the sport as a direct relation to the growth of fans and interest worldwide and identifies this connection as something he sees himself pursuing further whenever his professional career comes to a close.
Before that happens, however, Ortiz will tackle the 100m butterfly and 50m/100m freestyle events in Orlando mid-February during the next stop of the Arena Pro Swim Series. He describes himself as approaching the meet with a “half-tapered” preparation in order to earn the cuts he needs on his quest to qualify for World Championships. If Ortiz continues on his upward path, it seems extremely likely we will be seeing this emerging talent in Kazan and beyond.
Both (Miguel & Bruno) are key to the sucess of Spanish relays. I wish them both luck in the task facing them!
Miguel has been the most earning points for Michigan at least during his last two years in the important competions as Big Ten’s and NCAA’s, being his senior year of such astounding contribution to the team. His three fourth places at individual events plus one first ( still US Open and NCAA record ) , two second and one third in relays when winning the NCAA’s in 2013 was simply graceful. Unfortunately, he is not fully recognized by the Spanish Federation leaving him – and the swimming world to enjoy – without the chance of competing at World’s in Doha where his direct rival Godsoe got a silver in 50 back….Hopefully the Spanish Federation will learn from these big mistakes… Read more »
Organized betting on swimming? I can only see bad things coming from that.
jman – organized betting on swimming has existed for a long time.
Love the idea of more money being put into the sport through gambling. He has all the right business ideas for the growth of the sport. Swimmers need to learn to take a page from mainstream sports and assimilate in order to grow the sports fan base and media coverage.
Completely agree with you Darc.
It is true that there is some betting on swimming as Braden says, however in a minimal expression so that the money and media exposure is very limited as its result and do not reach the swimmers and do not produce the media coverage that will enhance the fan base.
Thus, we should give a good value to the positve concern of swimmers like Miguel who takes a wider look at swimming and searches for formulas that willl bring more money to the sport of swimming . I do not know the details of his thoughts and how to put them into practice, however I do know the presence of swimming on organized… Read more »
I saw him and his brother swim lights out at NCAAs their senior year. I also saw them at the big 10 championships in ’12 – my take is that he’s good, really really good. You can see the heart that him and his brother swim with, especially on relays. I wish them nothing but the best!
Will he and his brother Bruno swim@ Spanish Nationals this spring to try and make Spain’s team to,Kazan?
According to Spanish swimming site Nataccion, Miguel will swim in Orlando next month and maybe in Spain late March; Bruno will compete in Canadá in April.