With Son Swimming in Olympics, Bel Air Woman Travels to Rio

BEL AIR, MD — Cathy Kalisz planned to watch her son, Chase Kalisz, on TV as he swam in the Olympics next week. The cost of a trip to Rio de Janeiro, including airfare and accommodations, would be upwards of $8,000, according to her niece, who helped turn the tide earlier this month.

"Did you know that family members are responsible for paying their own way to watch their Olympian?" Karma Tousignant wrote on the GoFundMe page she started for Cathy Kalisz in mid July. "...as my aunt has dedicated her life to supporting her children and their dreams, I know you will agree that she needs to be there."

Within three days, donors had raised enough money for Cathy Kalisz to book her plane ticket.

Now, she will be able to watch her son in person as he takes on the 400-meter individual medley during his first time swimming in the Olympics, which start Aug. 5.

See the GoFundMe page for Cathy Kalisz here.

Chase Kalisz, 22, has been in the company of the best as he prepares for the games. The man who grew up in Bel Air has been training for the past year with Olympian Michael Phelps, according to The Washington Post, which described him as Phelps' protege.

"He has worked almost his entire life for this opportunity," Chase Kalisz's cousin wrote on the GoFundMe page. "This is a dream come true for Chase and his family."

Mike Kalisz—Chase's dad and Cathy's husband—will be there as well, reportedly with help from a fundraiser at Hereford High School, where he is the athletic director.

The opening ceremonies for the Olympic games will be Aug. 5, and the 400-meter individual medley is scheduled for Aug. 6.

Photo Credit: Team USA.