KENMORE, N.Y. -- A fresh new face from Western New York is headed to the Summer Olympics in Rio.
Anita Alvarez, a 19-year-old from Kenmore and her synchronized swimming partner Mariya Koroleva finished seventh in the duet free competition at the qualifying tournament in Rio last week. That earned them a trip to Rio.
Both Alvarez and Koroleva represented the United States in the 2015 Pan American Games where their duet earned a Bronze Medal.
Alvarez began her synchronized swimming career at the age of five and eventually swam with the Town of Tonawanda Aquettes team.
Alvarex says all the support from home has been overwhelming.
Alvarez says, "I left home when i was 16 to train on the national team and have been getting great support from back home, everyone is so proud of me and so supportive along my journey."
The Olympic games will be held August 5 through August 21.