Jayla Pina to Compete at 2024 Paris Games
7/11/2024 2:16:00 PM | Swimming & Diving
PITTSBURGH - Rising junior Jayla Pina is heading to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, representing Cape Verde. Pina will compete in the 200 IM August 2 at the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre.
Pina makes her second appearance at the Olympic Games after competing in the Women's 100-meter breaststroke at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Pina was born in the United States but has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Cape Verde. Pina's mother, Leila Alfama, was also born in Cape Verde before moving to the U.S.
"To represent Cape Verde is amazing," said Pina. "Getting to be one of the faces of swimming for the country is extremely motivating. This Olympics is also a huge step as it is only the second Olympics Cape Verde has participated in for swimming, so I am very honored to represent the flag."
As a two-time Olympian, Pina looks forward to 'soaking in every moment she gets this time around.' Pina has been preparing for the games with the help of her Pittsburgh teammates and coaches.
"Pitt has been amazing in prepping me for the Olympics. I am so glad I stayed over the summer in Pittsburgh to train. My coaches did the best they could to help me prepare and we've been grinding throughout the year towards this goal."
Originally from Seekonk, Massachusetts, Jayla held season team records for her high school in the 100 breaststroke, 100 freestyle, 50 freestyle, 200 IM, 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay.
Jayla Pina's Pitt Career Accolades
- Named to All-ACC Academic Team (2024)
- Finished second in 100 Breast (1:04.76), and fifth in 200 Breast (2:2.27) and 200 IM (2:09.12) against Minnesota (2024)
- Placed 29th in 100 Breast (1:04.21), 30th in 200 Breast (2:18.06) and 46th in 200 IM (2:06.26) at 2024 ACC Championships (2024)
- Achieved two personal best times in the 100 Breast (1:04.41) and the 200 Breast 2:18.18) at the Ohio State Invite (2023)
- Represented Cape Verde at the 16th FINA World Swimming Championships in Melbourne, Australia…competed in 100 IM (1:05.18 – 24th), 100 Breast (1:12.72 – 41st), and the 50 Breast (33.49) (2023)
Players Mentioned
