Feb. 4, 2014

by Stephanie Bihr

BOCA RATON, Fla. -

Brittany Bowe always dreamed of becoming an Olympian, but never thought she'd compete on the ice - at least not until the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Four years after watching familiar faces from the in-line skating world compete in Olympic speed skating, the Floridian and former FAU point guard heads to Sochi hoping to become the first American woman to win a speed skating medal since 2002.

"Watching the games lit a fire inside of me and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to go after my dream of being an Olympian," said Bowe.

In July 2010, Bowe left the beach and ocean breezes of Boca for the snow-capped mountains of Salt Lake City, Utah. She'd never set foot on ice, but was determined to turn her in-line skating skills into gold medal potential. Just three and a half years later, she broke the world record for the women's 1,000 meters.

The 25-year-old Ocala native grew up competing in two sports she loved equally. When she wasn't in-line skating she was dribbling and shooting layups on the basketball court. As a young competitor she captured 32 world championship medals in in-line skating and earned a full scholarship to play basketball at FAU.

"Having the opportunity to not only play Division-I basketball but to also receive a college education for free is something I will be forever grateful for," said Bowe. "From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew FAU was the place for me."

Bowe credits much of her success to the encouragement and support she received as a student athlete at FAU. The university's eighth leading basketball scorer remains close with former teammates and coaches who along with the rest of the FAU family have showered her with support on social media.

"I wouldn't trade my experience at FAU for the world," she said. "Playing four years of basketball and earning my degree from FAU is something that will always remain close to my heart and paved the way to where I am today."

Bowe says she's still adjusting to the winter weather. Going to the beach is listed as her favorite activity on her official Team USA profile. Maybe next time she comes home to warm up and soak up some Florida sunshine she'll have a medal or two to bring along.

Follow Brittany's adventures on Twitter @BrittanyBowe and Facebook

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