A Western New York native will compete Tuesday with the hopes of winning a medal at the Olympic Games in Rio. Anita Alvarez and her partner will compete in synchronized swimming. Among those who will watch closely is Alvarez's mother, who coaches a local synchronized swimming team.
Alvarez and her partner, Mariya Koroleva, will compete in the duets free routine final in Rio de Janeiro. The American pair entered the Olympic Games ranked 11th in the world. So far during the competition, they've placed ninth in the free routine preliminary round and eighth in technical routine.
Alvarez's road to Rio dates back to her days with the Tonawanda Aquettes, where her mother Karen is the head coach.
"When Anita was born, she was always at the pool with me," explained Karen Alvarez. "She grew up in the sport and, when she was five, she started in our developmental program with the Aquettes, and then joined the competitive team after that."
In October 2013, at the age of 16, Anita decided to move to California to train with the U.S. Junior National Team. She was promoted a year later and earlier this year was selected, along with the California native Koroleva, to compete in Rio.
Alvarez continued her high school studies online while training, her mother explained. At times, it has been tough for both the competitor and her family. But Karen Alvarez is pleased the sacrifice has paid off for her daughter.
WBFO asked the coach and mother if she may be living a little vicariously this week.
"Oh, sure," she said. "It's super exciting. I'm happy she found the sport that I loved and that I have so many great memories and friendships from."
