STOCKTON, Calif. – Similar to springing swiftly into the pool at the start of a swim meet, freshman Javier Lopez Guillen has quickly embraced the culture of the Pacific swimming program, transforming his determined work ethic into record-breaking success.
 
Guillen has been an engine, igniting his Tiger teammates to compete at their highest level amidst a promising start to his first-year campaign, which featured breaking the men's 200 yard fly record at Pacific with a time of 1:43.62.
 
"It makes me feel really good because it shows that all of my practice and effort is being reflected," Guillen said. "I'm really happy with the record. My coaches and teammates have pushed me to get to where I am now. I'm very proud."
 
Sitting atop a school record represents a nice feather in the cap, but Guillen's journey to Pacific began with adapting to a new lifestyle first.
 
"It has been a big change on my life," said Guillen, a native of Inca, Spain. "Coming from Spain, it is a different culture and language than my country. It was a little difficult during my first few months here, but my friends and teammates have helped me so much in school and at practice."
 
Head coach Katelyne Herrington has enjoyed the fruits of Guillen's labor, citing his determined mindset as the key for his success.
 
"His first practice here, I could tell there was something more that he had to bring with who he was," Herrington said. "He has brought so much determination every day to practice. For me, to see how much physically and mentally he puts into practice and the success so soon, it's exciting to see what's to come still for him. This is the first time in a while that I've been able to work with an individual like him. He makes me a better coach because of who he is. I'm really happy for him."
 
Guillen is one of four international Tigers in the swimming program, along with freshman Christina Agiomamitou (Cyprus), senior Alexia Ferguson (Canada) and junior Mattia Giurgevich (Italy). Recruiting internationally at Pacific has evolved with more resources available, which ultimately helped bring Guillen to the program. 
 
Assistant coach Nate LeRoy was the initial point of contact for the first conversations with Guillen and his recruiter from Spain. Navigating English as a second language was a challenge, but one that Guillen was consistently working on with his parents and teachers.
 
"We did Zoom chats and phone calls during the recruiting process," Herrington said. "We never saw him in person, so it was different than a domestic recruit. We showed him about who we are and what we had to offer him through video chat. It got us a chance to develop a relationship in a different way. We met his English teacher and his parents virtually, and it was a great process of getting to know Javier."
 
In his short time at Pacific, Guillen has guided the men's squad to a 3-0 start through three meets and two invitationals. Guillen has earned first place in the 100 yard and 200 yard fly in every competition with the Tigers. 
 
Most recently, following the UNLV Invitational where he broke the Pacific record for the 200 yard fly, Guillen set the 18-year-old Spain national record for the 200 fly with a time of 1:55.71 with his national club team, Club Natacio Sant Andreu.
 
"I knew I could achieve it, but after one day of traveling and jet lag, I was a little worried I would not get it," Guillen said. "I jumped into the water without nervousness and performed my best. It was a great week for me."
 
Guillen's first half of the season has been a true testament to his work ethic and driven mindset.
 
"He's the one percent," Herrington said. "He's willing to do more than the rest in order to be the best. I've been able to recognize that within the three months I've worked with him. It's been really inspiring for the team to see an athlete that works in that way. He's elevating our program."
 
Javier has goals for beyond the spring semester, including qualifying for World Championships and the European Championship Under-23, but his eyes are also set on MPSF championships and NCAAs.
 
"I would like to get the NCAA qualification in the men's 200 fly," Guillen said. "I just have to continue working and improving on my details and techniques. I'm looking forward to the year ahead."
 
Stay Social
For all the latest on Pacific Swimming, be sure to follow the team on X (@uopswimanddive), Instagram (@pacific.swimming) and "like" the team's official Facebook page (Pacific Swimming and Diving).
 
#PacificProud