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Megan Fonteno swims for the territory

As most of Auburn’s students are enjoying their summer break away from school, Megan Fonteno is spending her first summer at Auburn training for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Fonteno, freshman in pre-pharmacy, will be racing the 100-meter freestyle as the only women’s swimmer representing American Samoa.

“I’m trying not to worry about the competition I’ll face,” Fonteno said. “I’m just going to focus and swim my own race.”

Fonteno’s parents were both U.S. Marines, so she has been moving around her entire life.

“I was born in Japan,” Fonteno said. “But I’ve lived in Georgia, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Now my parents live in Jacksonville, Fla.”

During her high school years, Fonteno’s first choice for college was the University of Florida, but after visiting Auburn, she changed her mind.

“The athletic facility at Auburn is one of the best I’ve ever been to,” Fonteno said. “What really set Auburn apart was the atmosphere here. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew it was the place for me.”

Fonteno said swimming has always been a major part of her life.