Olá! My name is Regina Veloso, and today, I want to share a story with you – a story of a young girl from Mozambique who dared to dream big and chase them in the vast blue waters.

I was born in Chinde, a beautiful town nestled on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Growing up, the river was my playground. My days were spent basking in the warm African sun, feeling the cool touch of the water, and learning to navigate its currents. The river instilled in me a sense of freedom and a love for water that would define my life.

Learning to Fly Through Water

My aquatic adventures started simply. Dodging playful waves with friends, exploring hidden coves, and racing imaginary opponents – these were the early joys of swimming. One fateful day, a visiting swimming coach from Lourenço Marques (present-day Maputo) saw me effortlessly glide through the water. He recognized a spark, a potential waiting to be unleashed. That day, my life took a remarkable turn.

Lourenço Marques and the Desportivo

With the coach’s encouragement, my family and I moved to Lourenço Marques. The city offered a structured training environment, and I joined the prestigious Desportivo swimming club. The transition from the open waters of the Zambezi to a regimented training pool was challenging. The early mornings, the grueling workouts, the constant push to improve – it was a whole new world. But I persevered, fueled by my love for swimming and the unwavering support of my family and coaches.

Breaking Records and Representing Two Nations

Discipline and dedication paid off. Soon, I started dominating local competitions. Records tumbled, one after another, and I emerged as a rising star in the Mozambican swimming scene. Representing both Mozambique and Portugal (due to the colonial ties at the time), I competed at national and international meets, each victory etching my name deeper in the history books.

The Pinnacle: Rome Olympics 1960

The defining moment of my career arrived in 1960. I qualified for the Olympic Games in Rome, becoming the first swimmer from Mozambique (then a Portuguese territory) to do so. Walking onto the Olympic stage, the grand Colosseum towering above, sent shivers down my spine. Competing against the best athletes in the world was a dream come true, a testament to countless hours of sacrifice and unwavering belief.

More Than Just Medals

While I didn’t medal in Rome, the experience was truly transformative. The Olympics were a melting pot of cultures, a celebration of human potential that transcended borders. I forged lifelong friendships with athletes from across the globe, a testament to the unifying power of sport.

Beyond the Pool: Life After Swimming

After my competitive career ended, I continued my love affair with water by becoming a swimming coach. Sharing my knowledge and nurturing the next generation of swimmers brought immense satisfaction. Today, even though I may not be actively swimming anymore, the water holds a special place in my heart.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Looking back, my journey has been a whirlwind of emotions – moments of pure exhilaration in the pool, the sting of defeat, the immense pride of representing my country (and my adopted nation, Portugal) on the world stage. Most importantly, it’s a story of resilience, of chasing dreams no matter how daunting they may seem. If a young girl from a small town in Mozambique can carve her name in the world of athletics, so can you. Believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and most importantly, never stop learning and growing.

Inspiring the Next Generation

I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support I received throughout my journey. My family, coaches, teammates, and all those who believed in me – they are the winds that propelled me forward. Today, I urge young athletes to find their own support system, to surround themselves with positive influences who will encourage them to reach their full potential.

The world of swimming has evolved tremendously since my competitive days. New training techniques, advanced equipment, and a wider global platform have redefined the sport. However, the core values remain constant – dedication, perseverance, and a never-give-up spirit. These are the values that will empower you to conquer not just the pool, but any challenge life throws your way.

A Final Message

As I conclude this story, I leave you with a final thought – never underestimate the power of dreams. No matter where you come from, what your background may be, if you set your heart on something and work relentlessly towards it, you can achieve anything. So dream big, young ones, and let the water be your canvas to paint your own masterpiece