Maria Garcia

Short Track Speedskating American Record Holder (500m)
World Cup Team Member
2006 Olympian

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2009, 2008, 2007, 2003, 2001 World Cup Team Member
2008 U.S. Championships (St. Louis, MO)- Silver Medal (500m)
2008 World Cup (Beijing, China)- Set new American record in 500m
2006 Winter Olympic Games- 4th place, 3000m Relay Team; 1500m Alternate
2006 Winter Olympic Games (Torino, Italy)- Short Track Speedskating Team
2005 U.S. Olympic Trials- 4th place
2004, 2003 World Championship Team
2004 U.S. Short Track Championships- 4th place
2004 U.S. Junior Short Track Championships- 1st place
2003 Junior American 500m Record Holder
2002, 2001, 2000 U.S. Junior Championships- 1st place

BACKGROUND

Maria Garcia represents the true American dream. Born and raised in Southern California, Maria grew up in a Mexican-American household. Her father emigrated from Mexico as a teenager, determined to give his family everything the world had to offer. Maria is a five-time World Cup team member, 2006 Winter Olympian and most recently, she set a new American record in the 500m distance sprint.

Maria Garcia first started figure skating at the age of five. Though she took naturally to the sport, figure skating wasn’t financially feasible for her family. At 11 years old, her mother saw a poster at the ice rink advertising to try speedskating for $3. With passion for skating and a natural talent for speed, Maria made the switch. Within three months, she competed at the Nationals speedskating competition and placed third in her age group.

Maria has achieved much success within the sport. Missing the 2002 Olympic trials due to a severe knee injury, she was honored by the LA84 Foundation by running the Olympic Torch Relay for the 2002 Olympics in Los Angeles. When she broke her back in October 2004 at a World Cup in China, Maria was determined not to miss another chance at the Olympics. She came back and won the U.S. Jr. Championships a few months later, and then pulled off another win at the Olympic trials.

She credits her local speedskating club as being a huge part of her success which lead her to the 2006 Olympics, where she continues to train in hopes of reaching her second Olympic berth. Maria relies on the financial support of actor and comedian George Lopez, who funds her training and competition expenses.

Maria resides and trains at home in Carson, CA to have the support of her family and friends.
Maria plans to pursue a degree in nursing and to volunteer with the Doctors Without Borders program, as well as a career in Clinical Psychologist, specializing in sports psychology.

Years of hard work, dedication and perseverance have shown her that dreams really do come true. Maria’s most treasured accomplishment is that she is the daughter of a Mexican immigrant truly living the American dream. She now proudly represents her family and country on the world’s stage at the Olympics.

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Shade Global Athletes Featured on Mike Martin Talk Show

7.31.09

  THE SPECIAL EDITION OF THE MIKE MARTIN TALK SHOW US OLYMPICS EPISODE Friday, July 31, 2009 Featuring Shade Global Winter Athletes, Angela Ruggiero, Erin Hamlin, Michelle Roark, Maria Garcia & 2008 Olympic Gymnast Chellsie Memmel The Mike Martin Show Date / Time: 7/31/2009 5:00-6:30pm EST Call-in Number: (347) 637-3716 Tune in at: www.blogtalkradio.com/mikemartintalkshow Call in with comments & questions for these outstanding American heroes! This episode of the Mike Martin Talk Show is jam-packed with Olympic athlete interviews and Olympic talk, including: 3-Time Ice Hockey Olympic Medalist & World Champion- Angela Ruggiero; 2009 Luge World Champion & Olympian- Erin Hamlin, 2008 Olympic Gymnastics Silver Medalist & 2005 All-Around World Champion- Chellsie Memmel; World Cup, National Champion & Olympic Skier- Michelle Roark; and American Record Holder & Olympic Speedskater Maria Cruz Garcia! (read more)

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