Nevada's athletes have closer ties to Brazil than you may realize.
Swimmers and divers who won the Mountain West Conference Championship may have their seasons behind them now, but there is a lot of work ahead if they want to make a proper splash in Rio.
"IÂ haven't achieved exactly what I want to achieve yet, and so I'm going for it," said Carson City native Krysta Palmer.
"It" would by Olympic gold. Palmer has a good shot at qualifying. Like all athletes, she continues to hone her skills every day.
The University of Nevada swim team boasts athletes headed to Olympic trials on six continents, all focused on the road to Rio.
"It's definitely a lot of work, especially in Australia, where it's so very competitive," said Australia native Caitlyn Richardson.
But like athletes around the globe, they can't ignore the Zika virus.
Coach Neil Harper knows the pressure; he's a two-time Olympian himself. "They are far more worried about making their teams, and hopefully by then, things will work out."
"I'm more concerned about the training here and getting ready for the Olympic trials back home," Richardson said.
"I've heard about it," Palmer added. "But I'm just trying to work hard and get there and I'll worry about the rest later."
In Brazil, research continues and abatement efforts have stepped up. and the timing may actually help.
"The summer season will be winter there," said Jon Killoran, CEO for the Reno-Tahoe Winter Games. "Not winter like we have; no snow on the ground, but it should be cooler and the mosquitoes should be under control."
And there's no doubt the athletes from Nevada will be ready to race for the gold.
