The history of the Olympics goes as far back as 776 B.C. with the first recorded Olympics by the ancient Greek Olympics at Mount Olympia in Greece. While the Olympic Games have changed from the ancient times, the Olympics remain a major international sports competition event with more than 200 nations participating. Cheer for your favorite U.S.A. Team athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games beginning on July 27 at 4 PM EST.
If you are going to be following the Olympics, one Latina to watch for is 22-year-old Marlen Esparza. Marlen is the daughter of Mexican immigrants who was born and raised in Houston, Texas. In a sport traditionally dominated by males, Marlen weighing in under 112 pounds made history to become the first female U.S. Olympic Boxer at the London games.
You can watch an extensive profile of Esparza in Soledad O’Brien’s 2011 CNN documentary In Her Corner: Latino in America 2. You will see firsthand a glimpse into Marlen’s her childhood, education, and her commitment to competition and training in her journey to become the first female Olympic boxer for the US.
Olympics bring together the most talented and trained athletes from all over the world and congratulations to Marlen Esparza to earn her spot representing female boxing. Other Latinas to watch out for during the Olympic Games are Melissa Gonzalez representing the US in women’s field hockey, Diana Lopez representing in taekwondo, Amy Rodriguez playing in the soccer team, and Brenda Villa in water polo.
Congratulations and good luck to all the U.S. Olympic athletes! Support all the U.S. Olympic athletes as they represent their families, communities, and our country you can watch the games beginning July 27, 2012.
Linda Castillo is the Founder and Executive Editor of http://www.modernlatina.com/. She writes on topics that empower and inspire Latinas including art, motherhood, green living, culture, travel, and issues transforming the Latino community. Linda has earned a B.S. in Business and a M.S. in Mass Communications from San Jose State University.