November 2009November - Isabel OlivasI'm 24 years old, born in Costa Rica and moved to Miami in 1999 at the age of 14.
I started swimming competitively at the age of 11, and did my first triathlon the following year (at 12). I was the triathlon national champion for my age group at 13, and represented Costa Rica at the Junior Panamerican Games in Cuba (I think it was 1998).
I attended Miami Sunset Sr. High, where I was on the swimming and cross country teams. I was also a member of the Club Med triathlon team during my high school years. I got a scholarship for swimming to Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina, so I dedicated my time to training for swimming, and did some triathlons during my summer breaks to stay in shape. I started training more seriously for triathlons this year, now that I don't spend so much time in the pool.
I graduated last year with a degree in Biology, and now I work as a laboratory technician at a fertility clinic.

When did you start racing?
I was 12 when I did my first triathlon, but my main focus was swimming until I graduated from college in 2008. This year, I started training more seriously and paid more attention to my cycling and running splits.

What motivated you to get into it?
One of my swim coaches in Costa Rica introduced me to the sport of triathlon as a way to qualify for Nationals. I didn't make it into the National Games for swimming one year, so I tried out for triathlon, and ended up qualifying and falling in love with the sport.

Most important accomplishments as an athlete?
My last swim meet was at the conference championship in college, and my last event was the 200 breaststroke, which was my strongest event. I finished second in the conference and got a P.R., making me feel like my swimming career was brought to a closure on a positive note. That helped me transition into triathlons with a good attitude. Getting first place in some races this year as an Elite was also a great accomplishment for me.

Which one has been your favorite race? Why?
I really enjoy the Escape to Miami triathlon because it's very challenging, yet fun! I like starting from an island and racing around Downtown Miami. The event is very well put together and the croud is very enthusiastic.

What do you feel you have learned about yourself in the process?
After many years of training and racing, I've learned that I have been blessed with lots of good friends, an awesome family, and plenty of special moments that I will have with me forever. Looking back in my life, I honestly don't remember many of my race times or the tough practices, but the people that were there to encourage me and make it all worth it. I've learned that life is not about win or lose, but about the great times that I've had in the process.