Maritza Correia
It’s no secret that there is a lack of African American presence in swimming. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Maritza Correia was the first African American woman to earn a spot on the 2004 U.S. Olympic swim team.
Despite being diagnosed with scoliosis at age 7, she later became a 27 time All American and 11-time NCAA Champion. Now retired, she travels around the US to promote youth swimming in urban areas.