We are incredibly proud to celebrate Nexus alumna Carmen, who recently made her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. Representing Spain, Carmen swam her way to two semifinals in the Women’s 100m and 200m Backstroke, a remarkable achievement for a young athlete.
Carmen’s journey from Nexus to the global stage is one of dedication, hard work, and support. During her time at Nexus, Carmen was part of our elite swim team for seven years and trained under our dedicated coaches. After graduating, she continued her swimming career at Virginia Tech University on a scholarship, where she continues to thrive.
We caught up with Carmen to reflect on her Olympic experience, her time at Nexus, and what’s next on her horizon.
Looking back at your time at Nexus, how did being part of the elite swim team shape your approach to training and competition?
Training at Nexus taught me a lot about determination and learning how to enjoy the process with your teammates and friends. We would enjoy competitions as a team and support each other always, which I think is one of the most important things.
Can you share a memorable moment from your years on the Nexus swim team that still inspires you today?
Before the World Cup in Singapore, Nexus would host clinics with Olympians and world record holders like Kate Campbell, Vlad Morozov, or Michael Andrew. We got to swim with them and learn from them, and it was an overall amazing experience.
How did Nexus support your journey from school-level and National competitions to representing Spain at the 2024 Olympics?
Nexus supported me by giving me great coaches and swimming program. The Coaches created a strong, motivated team. When I joined the Spanish Junior National Team and had to travel for weeks at a time, the teachers were always very supportive and helped me however they could. I’m very grateful for that.
What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned at Nexus that helped you prepare for the intensity of the Olympic Games?
Meeting so many people from different countries at Nexus helped me understand diverse cultures and backgrounds. This made me appreciate the Olympic Games even more, as I saw athletes from all over the world. It was an amazing experience.
How did you mentally and physically prepare for the Olympics? Were there any particular routines or strategies you carried over from your time at Nexus?
I tried not to put too much pressure on myself going into the Olympics and just enjoy the experience. Physically, I trained with my coach, Sergio, from Virginia Tech. I’ve also kept some routines from my time at Nexus, like pre-swim warmups and rituals.
Competing in the Women’s 100m and 200m Backstroke at the Olympics is a remarkable achievement. How did you stay focused and motivated throughout the competition?
I was very excited just to have the opportunity to swim at the Olympics. In my mind, the hard part—qualifying—was already done, so I focused on enjoying the experience. I didn’t put too much pressure on myself and just aimed to do my best.
What was it like representing Spain at such a prestigious event, and how did it feel to advance to the semifinals?
It was an incredible experience. I met so many people from different countries, which was really cool. There was pressure representing a whole country, but I focused on having fun. When I realized I had made it to the semifinals, I was thrilled. Walking out of the call room towards the pool with my flag behind me was surreal.
Now that you’ve competed at the Olympics, what are your plans for the future? Do you have any new goals or ambitions you’re excited to pursue?
The new season has started, and I’m ready to work hard and see where it takes me. I hope to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in LA. I still have two more years at Virginia Tech, so I’ll make the most of college swimming to push myself further.
Lastly, what advice would you give to current Nexus learners who aspire to achieve great things, whether in sports or other areas of their lives?
Having goals is important because it motivates you to work towards something every day. But life shouldn’t revolve solely around your goals. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself—enjoy the process and trust it.
Carmen’s Olympic Journey: A Reflection of Nexus Spirit
Carmen’s journey from Nexus to the world stage is a testament to her determination and the support from our educators and swim programme. Her achievements inspire us all, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next. Congratulations, Carmen! We’re all cheering for you as you set your sights on LA 2028!