Photos: Manny Huerta Prepares For The Olympics In Costa Rica

Manny Huerta will live his American dream on Tuesday, Aug. 7 when he makes the start at the 2012 London Olympics. Triathlete.com got the chance to follow Huerta around his training grounds in Costa Rica a few weeks ago for a "Training Day" feature.

Huerta was not a favorite to make the U.S. Olympic team, but turned in the performance of his life to finish ninth at May's ITU World Triathlon Series San Diego race.

Huerta was born in Cuba, but his grandmother, Consuelo, fled the communist country to allow her family to start a new life in the U.S.

Huerta spends a good amount of time in Costa Rica training with his coach and other athletes.

Their training base in Costa Rica is not only a mellow environment away from the hustle and bustle, but it offers the added physiological benefit of being in altitude—they’re at 7,000 feet on a volcano.

To have a chance at a medal in London, Huerta will need to stay with the main pack out of the swim.

Huerta used to train under TeamTbb's Brett Sutton.

Huerta even tried his hand at the Ironman distance, but struggled with the conditions at Ironman China.

While in Costa Rica, Huerta sleeps at 7,000 feet and travels down to 4,000 feet to train.

These photos were taken in the weeks leading up to the London Olympics.

Manny Huerta prepares for the 2012 London Olympics by training on the active volcano Irazu in Costa Rica.

Manny Huerta prepares for the 2012 London Olympics by training on the active volcano Irazu in Costa Rica.

Manny Huerta prepares for the 2012 London Olympics by training on the active volcano Irazu in Costa Rica.

Manny Huerta prepares for the 2012 London Olympics by training on the active volcano Irazu in Costa Rica.

Manny Huerta prepares for the 2012 London Olympics by training on the active volcano Irazu in Costa Rica.

Manny Huerta prepares for the 2012 London Olympics by training on the active volcano Irazu in Costa Rica.

Manny Huerta prepares for the 2012 London Olympics by training on the active volcano Irazu in Costa Rica.

Manny Huerta prepares for the 2012 London Olympics by training on the active volcano Irazu in Costa Rica.

Manny Huerta prepares for the 2012 London Olympics by training on the active volcano Irazu in Costa Rica.