The Olympic Games, Les Jeux Olympiques, Los Juegos Olímpicos,… wherever you are and however you say it, the Olympics is the largest international sports event with participation from the best athletes from around the world. It is a dream for many high-level sportspeople who are greatly admired by sports fans, but what if you bring both “dreams” and “admiration” to the Olympic Games?  Through her talent, dedication and hard work, the answer to the question is revealed by Marina García, a professional swimmer who is also a student taking our Bachelor's Degree in Physiotherapy here at UIC Barcelona.

After participating in many world championships in different countries, Garcia was given the opportunity to participate in the London Olympic Games (2012), and she describes her experience with real enthusiasm and passion in this new chapter of Ments Inquietes.

It must be mentioned that we do not always have the opportunity (or are not always lucky enough) to be able to talk to an athlete who has participated in the Olympic Games and who has had so many different personal and professional experiences that have changed her and helped her become the athlete and person she is today.

Starting off with the goals she has achieved and challenges she has faced, thanks to a grant she was awarded, Marina was given the opportunity to study at UC Berkeley, a university in California, to train with Teri McKeever, a trainer who specialises in training Olympic swimmers. The American dream lasted a few years and, after learning from her teacher and her team, she decided to return to Catalonia where she currently combines Physiotherapy studies at UIC Barcelona and swimming training at the Natació Sabadell Club facilities.

Her passion and dedication to swimming mean that this Catalan has another date with the Olympics this summer, since she will participate in the Olympic Games in Tokyo almost a decade after her first experience in London.

Marina’s story does not end here and we’d like to invite you to jump into the deep end and watch our interview with her.