Diego Ordóñez

Diego Ordóñez was one of the best Spanish sprinters during the 1920s and won 11 national titles in the 100 and 200 metres. Ordóñez won his first Spanish tile in 1920 with victory in the 200 metres. He went on to win five more titles in the event (1921, 1925–28), along with five titles in the 100 metres (1921, 1924–26, 1928). In the 100 metres he equalled the national record of 11.0 seconds in 1924, and ran the 200 metres in 22.8 seconds in 1925, becoming the first Spanish athlete to run under 23 seconds. His time in the 200 metres stood as a Basque record until 1947, with his 100 metres time standing until 1958.

Ordóñez represented Spain at three editions of the Olympics in the 1920s where he ran in the 100 metres, 200 metres, and the 4 × 100 metres relay on each occasion. Despite his national success, however, he failed to advance from the opening heats in any of the events he ran in. For the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics Ordóñez had the honour of being the flagbearer for Spain at the Opening Ceremony.

Personal Bests: 100 – 11.0 (1924); 200 – 22.8 (1925).