Since 2004, synchronized swimmer Laura Montes ’10 and duet partner Nilda Rosado have trained and competed every year hoping to represent the Puerto Rican synchronized swimming national team at the Central American and Caribbean Games. The patience and strong work ethic have paid off. Montes and her partner were selected to compete at the 2010 games this summer.
After working for six years to get into the games, when she received word last November she was ecstatic. “It definitely was a dream of ours,” said Montes, who swam at Wheaton for four years. “Even through the challenges of attending college and trying to do well academically, we found a way to ensure we were doing our part and kept fighting until we were selected.
“It’s been such a dream because this national team is different from the seven others I have been part of. This meet is a qualifying meet for the current Olympic cycle. We have a very realistic chance to qualify for the Pan American Games next summer. If we qualify for the Pan American, we are one step closer in qualifying for the Olympics.
