Alexandre Yokochi

Expectations exceeded in swimming debut

There were many expectations surrounding the participation of Alexandre Yokochi at the 1984 Los Angeles Games as he was the only Portuguese swimmer in the world ranking ever.

Pennant regarding Portugal's participation in the Los Angeles Olympic Games 1984
National Museum of Sport collection

Since 1982, he had already beaten the Olympic minimum six times. Even so, the young Benfica swimmer believed that, in the best-case scenario, he would qualify for the B final of the 200m breaststroke event. However, with an excellent performance, he qualified for the A final, getting the 7th place, the best result ever by a Portuguese swimmer in the Olympics.

Alexandre Yokochi é distinguido com a Medalha de Mérito Desportivo

Alexandre Yokochi is awarded the Sports Merit Medal for his brilliant behaviour at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The insignia is presented by Francisco Sousa Tavares, at the São Bento Palace
29 August 1984

Other Highlights

Participation of Benfica Athletes in the Olympic Games

Olympic Football - First participation of Benfica athletes in the Olympic Games
1928

Manuel Dias - A marathon with obstacles
1936

Luís Howorth - Benfica’s first and only participation in shooting
1952

Athletes quartet - Casimiro, Eleutério, Matos Fernandes, and Paquete
1952

António Leitão - Bronze medal
1984