Costa Rican swimmer Helena Moreno broke this past Sunday the national record in the category of 14 to 17-years-old in 400 freestyle, which was previously set by athlete Claudia Poll back in 1990.

The young Costa Rican who is only 16-years-old stopped the clock at 4:16.70 in the Final A of the San Juan Open, breaking the record established by Poll which was of 4:17.36 and which this last one accomplished when she was 17 years-old.

This mark earned Helena the first place in the event held in Puerto Rico and puts her in position 120 of the International Swimming Federation (FINA) World Ranking. Moreno also managed to improve her time in the 200 and 800 freestyle competitions where she also finished in first place.

Moreno who is a native of Liberia, Guanacaste was selected by FINA to receive a scholarship just a few months ago. The financial aid she receives helps her with her training expenses as she prepares for the Swimming World Championship that will take place in Budapest, Hungary, next July 23-30.

The talented swimmer will also take part of the Youth Olympics in Argentina in October of 2018.

“We went to Puerto Rico with the idea of improving the times in 200,400 and 800 meters and we achieved that. We didn’t have the record in mind, we wanted her to feel comfortable, to do it in a smart way, and that’s how she got the results”, mentioned her trainer Pablo Camacho, who describes Moreno as a smart, disciplined, hardworking young lady.