Latina Track Star Brenda Martinez on how she defeated all odds and bounced back from defeat to make her American Dream of going to the Olympics a reality. 

Brenda represented Team USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics and is now training for round two-- The games in Tokyo. In this episode, Brenda talks about how she ALMOST didn’t make the team-- because of an incident during the Olympic Trials. 

FIRST: Brenda talks about the sacrifices her Mexican immigrant parents had to make to help her achieve her Olympic dreams. How she overcame financial hurdles, physical injuries and many rejections… and how she finally found a champion… who helped her achieve her American dream of becoming a world-class Olympic runner. 

THEN: How she’s giving back to her community and specifically young kids achieve their own running dreams. Since 2013, Brenda has run a summer running camp in Big Bear. But it’s more than just a running camp, she’s inspiring young girls and boys to go to college and find their passion. 

AND LATER: We discuss how the Pandemic has forced her to change her Olympic training as she prepares to make the team for the next Olympics. 

Plus, how to start your day like an Olympian! Brenda shares her surprising morning routine-- the 3 THINGS she does before starting her day. 

I learned so much about sacrifice and resilience from her! Take a listen and let me know what you think! Tag me on Instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers. Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!