Beautiful, friendly, charismatic, disciplined, determined, and a fighter. She has everything a top athlete should have, and in spades.

Mariana Brochado failed to achieve her main goal of the last three years: to be at the Rio 2007 Pan American Games. The swimmer did not finish among the finalists in the three events in which she was trying to reach the necessary level to participate in the Pan American Games.

Saddened by Friday's (May 4th) result at the Maria Lenk Trophy – Correios Swimming Cup, Mariana couldn't hide her disappointment at not being able to represent Brazil at home. "I did everything I could. I trained and dedicated myself a lot over these three years, determined to be at these Pan American Games. But unfortunately, it didn't happen. Either way, Brazil will be very well represented."

Mariana, the Red-Black Nation thanks you for all your effort, dedication, and determination. Life goes on... The 2008 Beijing Olympics are here!!