Ernesto Vela Berrondo

Ernesto Vela Berrondo: A Life of Swimming, Banking, and Entrepreneurship Early Life and Swimming Career Ernesto Vela Berrondo was born on October 20, 1968, in Mexico City, Mexico. A devoted family man, Ernesto is married and the proud father of four wonderful children. From a young age, Ernesto was captivated by the water, displaying a natural talent for swimming. His passion and dedication to the sport were evident early on, and he quickly rose through the ranks of competitive swimming in Mexico. Ernesto's hard work and perseverance paid off when he earned a spot on the Mexican national swimming team. He represented his country in two consecutive Olympic Games. His first appearance was at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he competed in the backstroke and medley events. Four years later, he returned to the global stage at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, further solidifying his reputation as one of Mexico's top swimmers. He was also a finalist in the National Championship in the US and was ranked the No. 1 backstroker coming out of high school in Mission Viejo, California. Ernesto continued his education and athletic career at Texas A&M University, where he swam competitively for four years. Throughout his swimming career, Ernesto was known for his discipline and sportsmanship. He won numerous national titles and set several Mexican records. Notably, he was the first Mexican to swim under a minute in the 100 meters backstroke and held the Central American Games record for the 200 meters backstroke. Ernesto's achievements have inspired a new generation of swimmers in his country. Professional Background After retiring from competitive swimming, Ernesto transitioned into the financial industry, where he enjoyed a distinguished 25-year career with HSBC Bank. He managed the entire branch network of over 1,200 branches in Mexico and became the youngest director in the company at the age of 28. Ernesto retired from the banking and financial industry in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and innovation. Entrepreneurship and Social Contribution In addition to his work in sports and banking, Ernesto Vela Berrondo ventured into entrepreneurship with a focus on social beneficence. In 2021, he founded Veloswim with his family, which has grown to become one of the largest swimming schools in Mexico, boasting over 4,000 swimmers. His sons and wife are integral members of the company, making it a true family endeavor. Ernesto also launched a line of swimwear and aquatic gear, specifically designed for swimmers. His products emphasize quality and performance, catering to athletes' needs. Legacy Ernesto Vela Berrondo's legacy extends far beyond his achievements in the pool. As a two-time Olympic swimmer, accomplished banker, successful entrepreneur, and advocate for sports development, he has made a lasting impact on the swimming community in Mexico and beyond. His dedication to excellence, commitment to nurturing future athletes, and focus on family and social beneficence continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.