Correia Is First Black Woman on U.S. Team

Michael Phelps isn’t the only swimmer making history at the 2004 Olympic swim trials.

By placing fourth in the 100-meter freestyle Monday night, Maritza Correia became the first black woman on a U.S. Olympic swim team.

Correia, whose parents are from Guyana, said she is honored.

“I just hope that I’m one of many to make this Olympic team and this is just a jump start for everybody -- minorities and everybody -- to get involved with this sport and try to achieve the Olympic goal,” she said.

Correia started swimming when she was 6 years old, after being diagnosed with scoliosis. Doctors in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Correia lived until she was 8, told her that to avoid surgery, she should start swimming. She quickly fell in love with the water, calling herself a “beach baby.” She started to enjoy swimming even more, she said, when her family moved to Valrico, Fla., in 1990.

Today, the 15-degree curve she had in her spine has corrected itself and what started as means to avoid surgery has led to the realization of her dream.

Correia said she was aware that if she made the team, she would also be making history. That fact, she said, is “kind of a shame,” but it’s something she is hoping will change.

She said her race has never been an issue during her swimming career, but admitted it does bring extra attention at times. That’s OK with Correia, who said she wants to be a role model.

“I don’t think it’s the main focus,” she said. “I’m still another swimmer in the water too, but at the same time if I’m in the limelight and a lot of people see that I’m black, well, good. I hope a lot of youngsters can do the same thing and kind of achieve to be the best they can be.”

Correia said she thinks the reason there aren’t more minorities involved in swimming is because it’s expensive. Also, many areas lack the facilities needed to train young swimmers.

“I just think it’s hard for minorities to get the facilities ... and I know a lot of minorities don’t exactly have the funds to do it,” she said. “I think that’s one of my goals -- to get more minorities involved, maybe get some pools built. Just get everybody involved in the sport.”

Anthony Ervin was the first African American on a U.S. Olympic swim team. He won gold in the 50-meter freestyle and silver in the 400-meter freestyle relay at Sydney in 2000.

Correia contemplated ending her swim career if she didn’t make this year’s Olympic team. Now, however, she may be leaning toward staying in the pool.

“Who knows, I might go for a second Olympics if I can,” she said. “I’m going to see how training and racing goes.”

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Saturday night’s attendance of 9,878 was the first sellout of the 2004 trials. Sunday night was another sellout, but this time 10,016 fans, the most at any American swimming event, were in attendance. USA Swimming opened up some obstructed view seats, increasing the crowd size.