Laura Carolina Gonzalez Rodriguez

Started: She took up the sport at age six. (cpc.org.co, 29 Oct 2019) Reason: "I considered swimming only a hobby at the beginning, as I have always loved to swim. But everything changed once I was asked to compete. That's when everything changes into discipline and maturity." (cpc.org.co, 29 Oct 2019) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (Athlete, 26 Aug 2024) Milestones: She became the first female Para swimmer representing Colombia to win a medal at the Paralympic Games by claiming bronze in the women's S8 100m butterfly at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. (SportsDeskOnline, 19 May 2022) Awards: In 2021 she received the Policarpa Salavarrieta Order for Women and Democracy from the women's commission of the government of the city of Bogota in Colombia. (colombia.com, 19 Nov 2021; Instagram profile, 18 Nov 2021) In 2021 she was presented with the 'Tigrillo de Oro' [Golden Tiger Cat] Award as Para Sportswoman of the Year in Bogota, Colombia. (idrd.gov.co, 14 Dec 2021) In 2018 she received the Silver Chibcha Award from the Bogota branch of the Colombian Association of Sports Journalists [ACORD]. (JAC Colombia YouTube channel, 18 Aug 2021; Instagram profile, 14 Dec 2018) Additional Info: FAMILY SUPPORT She took a break from swimming after her mother passed away in 2009. She returned to the sport the following year after receiving encouragement from her father and her brother. "I didn't want to return to swimming, and I didn't want to know about anything ever again. My family is everything and my motivation to live. Their support is vital in both good and bad times. If you are in a bad moment, they will give you their support." (polideportes.poligran.edu.co, 09 Jan 2018; Inspire Latinoamerica Facebook page, 02 Apr 2017)