Melanie Valerio started competitive swimming at the tender age 5. Melanie would eventually become the fastest 100 freestyler out of high school back when heavy metal hair bands were topping the charts. Her accolades include 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist (swimming), first female swimmer to be sponsored by NIKE, first ever TIMEX Fitness Director, and her most coolest accomplishment: first Ironman athlete to be sponsored by a rock band-Cheap Trick. She enjoys balancing life as an athlete, full time professional and 38-year-old female. Melanie also designs numerous sweaters and scarves in her own personalized hard rock signature style and attempts to play the guitar. Both allow for a wonderful release of her creative mind.