Maritza Correia was born on December 23, 1981 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the age of seven, she was diagnosed with severe scoliosis, a condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. In an effort to treat her condition, Maritza began swimming as a form of therapy.
Maritza's passion for swimming quickly turned into a successful career. She attended the University of Georgia where she became a standout swimmer, earning a total of 27 All-American honors and winning 11 National Championships. Her impressive performances in the pool caught the attention of the U.S. Olympic team, and in 2004, Maritza earned a spot on the 4x100 meter freestyle relay team at the Summer Olympics in Athens.
At the 2004 Olympics, Maritza and her teammates Amanda Beard, Natalie Coughlin, and Jenny Thompson made history by winning a silver medal in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay. Maritza's strong performance in the pool solidified her status as one of the top swimmers in the world.
Off the pool deck, Maritza's life has been just as fulfilling. In 2010, she married Chad McClendon, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Kason, in 2012. In 2013, they expanded their family with the arrival of their daughter, Sanaya.
Maritza's dedication to her family and her sport has been an inspiration to many young athletes, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Maritza Correia's impact on the world of swimming extends far beyond her Olympic success. She has become a role model for aspiring athletes, showing them that it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
Throughout her career, Maritza has used her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the sport of swimming. She continues to inspire others with her story and remains a beloved figure in the swimming community.
As Maritza continues to make waves both in and out of the pool, her legacy is sure to endure for years to come.