MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Former Barry University rower Anna Boada will compete in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Boada will represent Spain in the 2- coxless pairs event with partner Aina Cid. The Summer Games opening ceremonies is Friday.

"Anna, since Day 1, she always talked about the Olympics," said Buccaneers rowing coach Boban Rankovic, a former Serbian Olympian. "She always wanted to go to the Olympics."

Boada rowed for the Bucs Varsity 8 in 2013 when Barry finished second in the nation. She was an All-Sunshine State Conference selection and a Pocock Scholar All-American. 

This year, Boada and Cid won the FISA Olympic Qualifying Regatta in 7:10.16 in Lucerne, Switzerland. They finished third at the World Rowing Cup in Varese, Italy with a time of 7:39.51.

"Anna, when she came in she was a great talent and hungry for knowledge and new experiences," said Rankovic, who was an assistant coach in 2013. "She was a great asset for us when we finished second in the nation. That year, the wheel started revving up. She definitely a big part of it.

"Seeing her grow and get faster was always exciting for me. Seeing her success ... all the work you have to put in and the dedication is great to witness."

Rowing heats begin Saturday at 7:30 a.m.

ANNA BOADA ROWING PROFILE

ROWING SCHEDULE

ROWING LIVE STREAM