Overcoming Physical Challenges

My Brief Story

I was born with a genetic condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), which is most associated with brittle bones. I have broken my femur and hips over 20 times in my lifetime and I spent most of my life in the recovery process. In 2014, After my last irreversible injury on the right knee, my Dr. recommended me to start swimming.

I started my first lesson in January 2015, immediately I fell in love with the water, for the first time in whole my life I felt freedom, water became my personal space. Since that moment, I swim every day. Three years after my first swimming class, I become the most competitive para-swimmer in my country and the only woman. I am part of the best 10 para-swimmer of this continent in the 50 meters butterfly and 400 meters freestyle (according to the Americas Ranking of 2018).

The path to be exactly where I am, was not easy, especially in a small country which is not completely inclusive, My advice is, never let people put you down, fight for the things you want and when things are wrong, try harder. Currently, I am part of some initiatives to support inclusion in my country and increase the participation with people with disabilities in society.