Oelwein, Iowa Native Living Out Childhood Dream at Tokyo Olympics

Haiti always held a special place in Stacey Blitsch's heart. Blitsch grew up in Oelwein and her family always talked highly about the country located on an island in the Caribbean Sea. After her aunt spent some time there, the family loved everything to do with Haiti, including the people, the culture, and the land.

Oelwein native Stacey Blitsch (seen in the red mask on the right) enters with Team Haiti during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium in Toyko, Japan on July 23, 2021. - (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

After graduating from Oelwein High School, Blitsch studied Fitness/Recreation & Athletic Training at Upper Iowa University in Fayette and was a Personal Trainer & Sports Coach. Now she is the swimming coach for the Team Haiti Swimming at the Olympic games in Japan. As she mentions on her Facebook page, she's "honored and proud" to be representing Haiti at the one-year delayed event.

Nothing but love for the Haiti swim team!

Granted, the Haiti swim team is only a team of two. Haiti received a "universality invitation" to send their two top-ranked swimmers (one per gender) in their respective individual events to the Olympics. 19-year-old Vincent Davidson is scheduled to take part in Heat 2 of the Men's 100m Butterfly on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. (central time).

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Emily Grand’Pierre got off to a good start on Sunday, when she finished in 1st place in the Women's 100m Breaststroke.

Blitsch shows off a beautiful native dress and more photos below

To keep up with how Team Haiti Swimming is doing at the games, follow them on their Facebook page.

The 2020 Olympic Games continue through Sunday, August 8th.

READ ON - Top 10 Celebrities Born in Waterloo/Cedar Falls

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.