While we may be partial to our favorite sports and hometowns, there’s one thing we can agree on. Latinas from the U.S. in the Olympics deserve our support and recognition. Learn a little bit about these Latina athletes and enjoy everything that the London Games has to offer. And as always, USA! USA! USA!
Melissa Gonzales- Women’s Field Hockey
Melissa, a former University of Connecticut field hockey player joined the National Team in 2010 and competed in the Pan American Games in 2011. Watch her contribute to history and hopefully take the gold!
Amy Rodriguez- Women’s Soccer
Born in Beverly Hills, California, Amy is at her second Olympic games. In 2008, the Women’s Soccer team took Gold with her help. Can they do it again?
Brenda Villa- Women’s Water Polo
Brenda, an attacker on the Women’s Water Polo team, has attended the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympics. With all of that experience, she still has yet to stand at the top of the podium and accept a gold medal. Despite that fact, she is considered the most decorated athlete in the world of women’s water polo with two silver medals and one bronze.
Desiree Davila- Women’s Marathon
Desiree hails from Rochester Hills, Michigan and after finishing second in the Boston Marathon in 2011, her long distance running career began to pick up. Although Desiree has proved she can qualify and compete for the gold, she may be hindered by a hip flexor tendon injury, reports Runner’s World. Her coaches will run a workout tomorrow to test her ability to run in the race.
Diana Lopez- Women’s Taekwondo
With three older brothers as accomplished Taekwondo competitors, it comes as no surprise that Diana is following in their footsteps. She has competed in the 2008 Olympics and was an alternate in the previous games.
Marlen Esparza- Women’s Boxing
Marlen is more than just a pretty face, but has already proven her Olympic worth as she only needs to win one fight to earn a medal. She has previously won a bronze medal in 2006 World Championships and won gold in the 2008 Pan American Games.
Sarah Robles- Women’s Weighlifting
Even though Sarah has only been weightlifting since 2008, her passion and dedication truly shows. This is her first Olympic games, can she take the gold?
Lauren Tamayo- Women’s Cycling
At 29, Lauren is just getting started in her Olympic career with Women’s Cycling. She’s known as La Diabla for her demeanor on the bike which Latina Magazine assures us is very different from her demeanor everywhere else.
Stay up to date will all of the events and visit the NBC Olympics website for scheduling information.
Information and photo source teamusa.org
The Healthy Latina 