Maritza Correia is the first African-American female swimmer to make it to the Olympics. She was born in 1981 in San Juan, Puerto Rico but her parents moved their from Guyana. At seven years old, she was diagnose with a severe case of scoliosis, therefore to help cure it her parents started her up with swimming. She started to become very good and started to win championship after championship. She attended UGA (University of Georgia) and during her college career she was a 27-All Time American and 11-time NCAA Champion. In 2000, she had high hopes of making it to the Olympics in Sydney, Australia and went to Olympic Trials but missed the cut off and slipped into a depression. With help of friends and family she finally re-emerged to becoming a top swimmer. She then made it to the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece in the 4X400 Freestyle Relay.
Video I Made of Maritza Correia:
Now retired, Martiza Correia is a promoter for USA Swimming and Nike. She also speaks to young inner city kids about her swimming career and encourages them to follow her dream. I've met her even a couple of times and her story ahs inspired me to keep trying harder. Is their anyone who has inspired you to do the same? Thanks for reading!
She has an interesting story especially because of her scoliosis. Eddie van Halen is one of my inspirations. He is considered to be one of the best guitarists of all time through years of hard work and playing in his room.
ReplyDeleteI like that you put her downfall. Normally people see Olympians as these untouchable athletes who have perfect lives (maybe not socially cause they're training so much but you understand what I mean). It's inspirational to know that even with this devastating downfall she didn't give up hope and eventually achieved her goal. I think she's a good role model to have.
ReplyDeleteTwo words , Jaromir Jagr, my favorite hockey player of all time. He suddenly lost his speed in the 2005-6 season but he still remained to be one of the highest scoring players in the NHL for the remainder of his NHL career.
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