Determination and perseverance are two distinct qualities that describe Maritza McClendon not only as a swimmer but as a human being. Despite the naysayers and critics, Maritza McClendon was destined to come out on top as a competitive swimmer and make history as the first African...
On November 20, 2015 we started Black Kids Swim with a website and a Facebook page. We interviewed swim parents, coaches and cosmetologists (because hair care is a huge issue for Black swimmers!) and anyone who would talk to us. We were in search of...
[caption id="attachment_1830" align="alignleft" width="300"] Maritza regularly conducts clinics for young swimmers through Swim 1922[/caption] Maritza (Correia) McClendon, in 2004, was the first Puerto Rican of African American descent to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic swim team and win a silver medal. As part of...
Olympic Silver medalist Maritza McClendon reflects on the negative impacts of parental pressure on her swim career. She also discusses the community service partnership 'Swim 1922' which seeks to prevent drowning among minorities in the USA. Article by the Atlanta Journal Constitution here. ...
