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Maritza Correia
- 2004 Olympic silver medalist in 400m free relay
- Became the first African-American woman to be on the U.S. Olympic swim team and first African-American woman ever to set an American record in swimming
- American record-holder in 50y free (previously held by Amy Van Dyken)
- Finished fourth in the 50m free at the 2005 World Championship trials
- Gold medalist in the 400m free relay at the 2004 short course World Championships
- Took first in the 400m free relay at the 2003 World Championships; relay gold medalist (800m free relay), silver medalist (400m free relay) at 2001 World Championships
- Won four events at 2002 NCAAs (50y, 100y free, 200y and 400y free relays) in American-record time
- Former American record holder in the 100y free, which was previously held by Jenny Thompson
- Dubbed "Relay Woman" by the swimming world for her ability to anchor relays with great success and run down opponents – "As soon as I dive in, my goal is to catch as many people as I can," Correia said.
- Needs someone to make her laugh before races "so my team calls out my nickname or something”
- Began swimming in Puerto Rico at age seven when her doctor recommended swimming as therapy for her severe scoliosis
- Works with inner city schools and detention centers to get kids involved in sports, especially swimming
- Family moved to Florida when she was eight years old
- Born two days before Christmas in 1983 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Nickname is "Ritz" and has two dogs, Malibu and Tyson
After a disappointing performance at the 2000 Olympic Trials, Correia almost quit the sport. However, with her Georgia teammates, coaches and her mother, Correia was convinced to give it another shot at the 2004 Olympic Trials. “Looking back at 2000, I was a very inexperienced international swimmer, and changes needed to be made,” Correia said. “I knew that I had to make more national teams and more trips and gain some experience, which would help my confidence. Within the past four year, I have broken SEC records, NCAA records, American records, been to two world championship meets, and have continuously been one of the top swimmers in my events at meets throughout the years.”
On if she is going to be the next Amy Van Dyken or Jenny Thompson: "I'm not gonna be the next Amy Van Dyken. I'm gonna be the first Maritza Correia. I want people to know me for me. And being the first African-American woman to hold an American record definitely sets that tone.”
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Height: 5' 8
Born: 12/23/1981
Hometown: Valrico, Fla.
Resides: Brandon, Fla.
Sport: Swimming
Event: 50m, 100m & 200m freestyle
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