Ending a two-decade wait
"I'm very happy, it is the best day of my career," he remarked, beaming, after two decades of waiting.
Molina's goals for Paris 2024 differed two decades later. This was the goal; unlike Athens, he realized glory wasn't just a pipe dream, but a real ambition.
Molina's tale is extraordinary. He has always been a swimmer; it is apparent that swimming is his strength and passion,
That could help explain his 22-second lead after the first leg on the River Seine over eventual silver medalist Max Gelhaar of Germany.
"I'm focusing on the upcoming World Cup and European Championships; hopefully, LA 2028 will be next, but we'll see.
"Twenty years ago, there was little media coverage and no social media, but now there is a lot more awareness and journalists come to witness and cover the sport.
Molina is maybe the best example of patience and perseverance that comes to mind. He returned to the Paralympics as a different guy, competing in a different sport and winning with tears in his eyes.