Record setting swimmer annabel olivo credits late friend

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Chicago (WBBM) -Eleven University of Chicago Women's swimmer will be set for Division III championships later this month, including Junior Annabel Olivo, who has an influence on the pool while dealing with the loss of a friend.

When it comes to goals, Olivo has always been high.

“I had a list and my list was like Uchicago, Harvard was on this list, Columbia was on this list, I was on my list, and she went to these,” she said.

Jason Weber, head coach of the University of Chicago, said Olivo was one of the best recruits of the team that come out of the high school.

“She is the first in her family to go to college, which was really impressive. Overall, only one really impressive person, ”he said.

Olivo would quickly be successful after a great career at the West Aurora High School to swim at the University of Chicago

“She came here and immediately became a force; Exercise, training, competitions. She led the lanes, she won events, ”said Weber.

But it was in the high school where she met her best friend Megan Sporny, which she says, made her stronger.

“She had cancer. She had been a really good runner. She wanted to do something where she could be active, which had a low influence, so she turned to swim, ”said Olivo.

The two stayed near the high school and through challenging times.

“Her cancer would come back and then she would beat him, and then it came back during her first year of studies and it was pretty rough,” said Olivo. “It was just a really difficult time.”

Megan died of brain and spine cancer in June 2023.

“After that I went to the therapy because I felt like I had a lot. The first year was a lot and that was a player for me, ”said Olivo.

The pool was also an outlet. Olivo became all-American at several events and at the same time set up a Maroons program record in 100-yard freestyle this season.

“When I had a bad day, I went to practice and then my day would be bright,” she said. “I just think that swimming was always that for me. It has always been like the release of emotions. “

Olivo is still a top performer of the program and, despite a leg injury, tries to greatly end her junior season.

“I would like to return to these school documents. It was a few years ago since I left these times. I know I'm a stronger person. I am a stronger athlete. There are more and more. There is more, there is more to do, ”she said.

If your time is an indicator as a chestnut brown, setting data records is only the beginning.

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