Five consecutive Olympic Games appearances define the career of Kevin Haroldo Cordón Buezo, who began his pursuit of professional badminton at age 11. Born in 1986 in La Unión, Zacapa, he pursued the sport specifically to gain an opportunity for Olympic entry, eventually becoming a record-holding multi-event champion across Pan American and Central American competitions.
Early Development and Regional Dominance
Cordón entered the youth team of the Zacapa Department in 1998. His developmental trajectory included a victory at the 2004 Pan Am Junior Badminton Championships in the U-19 boys' singles category. His success continued into senior competition, where he secured four titles at the Pan Am Championships, including three in singles and one in doubles. Between 2009 and 2012, he claimed continental gold twice in men's singles and once in men's doubles alongside Rodolfo Ramirez.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Pan American Games Success
The athlete established himself as a central figure in the Pan American Games, starting with a silver medal in 2007. By 2011, he served as the flag bearer for his delegation and claimed his first gold medal in the men's singles event without dropping a single set. He successfully defended this title in 2015 at the Atos Markham Pan Am Centre in Toronto, defeating Andrew D'Souza in the final.
Olympic Career and Global Competition
Cordón participated in the 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024 Olympic Games. Throughout his career, he competed against top-ranked players, including Lee Chong Wei at the 2011 BWF World Championships and Viktor Axelsen in Tokyo. In 2024, he shared flag bearer duties with Waleska Soto before withdrawing from his fifth Olympic tournament due to injury.
Central American and Caribbean Games
His performance record includes six titles at the Central American and Caribbean Games, consisting of four singles victories and two doubles wins. At the 2010 games, he became the most decorated athlete of the event by securing three gold medals. In 2026, he achieved a gold medal win in Santo Domingo at age 39.
Fast facts
- Born: 1986, La Unión, Zacapa
- Citizenship: Guatemala
- Primary Sport: Badminton
- Olympic appearances: 5 (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
- Pan American Games singles titles: 2
- Central American and Caribbean Games titles: 6
- Language: Spanish
Questions readers ask
How many Olympic Games did Kevin Cordón participate in?
He competed in five Olympic Games: 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024.
What is his connection to the name Kevin?
He was named after the former England international footballer Kevin Keegan.
Achievements
- Competed at badminton at the 2008 Summer Olympics – men's singles, badminton at the 2012 Summer Olympics – men's singles and badminton at the 2016 Summer Olympics – men's singles
- Discipline: badminton
