Helena Moreno, 16, from Costa Rica, who has been part of the FINA Scholarship programme since January 2017, recently established B-standard times in the 200m (2:02.03), 400m (4:16.70) and 800m (8:47.52) at the San Juan International Swimming Open in April 2017 as reported her coach Mr. Pablo Camacho to FINA.

Moreno achieved her first B-standard time at the ARENA Pro Swim at Indianapolis (March) 400m (4:17.56)

In addition and in her successful breakthrough, Moreno’s also established qualifying times (A-standard) to be able to take part in the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in autumn 2018. She will also enter three events in Buenos Aires, 200/400/800m freestyle.

FINA has been financially supporting many young talents via its Scholarship programme, while 36 new athletes have been selected in 2017 and many more applications are under review.

The ultimate goal of the programme is to help the aspiring champions to qualify and participate in the fast approaching 17th FINA World Championships, to be held from July 15-30 in Budapest, Hungary, and other international meets, as well as supporting them in their day-to-day training.