Making her international debut at only 14 years old, Caymanian swimmer Lauren Hew competed at her first International Games.  Two years later she is eager to take on the World’s largest sporting event, the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, given the opportunity.

“In 2014 I went to the [Glasgow] Commonwealth Games,” Lauren said. “I made it to the semi-finals in the 50m backstroke against women who swim professionally. That was my first big international meet and being there gave me the confidence to believe that with hard work I can make it to the Olympics whether it is Rio 2016 or Tokyo 2020”.

Encouraged by her cousin’s success, Hew began her own swimming journey and has now competed in over six international meets, swimming in various events including, Backstroke, Individual Medley, Freestyle and Butterfly. Hew trains nine times a week with 2-hour pool sessions and 2-hour gym sessions.

“To prepare for Rio, I need to balance and lengthen my muscles before I start to increase my strength, with a personal trainer,” Hew said. “I am now working on my strength and focusing on quality training while at the pool”.

Next month Hew will compete in the Caribbean Island Swim Championships in Bermuda for another opportunity to make qualifying times or be closer to be invited to participate.

“One of my personal goals this season was to make a cut for Rio,” Hew said. “I am still fairly young at my sport so participating in Rio 2016 would allow me to gain valuable experience in all aspects of competing at my best during an international competition.”

Like many others who are fighting for a spot at the Games, Hew says competing at the Olympics is an important step in her journey to becoming the very best swimmer she can be.

“I would be extremely proud to represent Cayman at the Olympics,” Hew says. “It is an amazing experience to be a part of something so exciting. It is a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by the best people in the world competing in the sport you love”.