Paula Barila Bolopa (born 12 October 1979), nicknamed 'The Crawler', is an Equatoguinean former footballer and swimmer.
Originally a footballer, who played for women's first division side E Waiso Ipola,[3] she was submitted to a swimming trials to participate at the 2000 Olympic Games and was selected after a month and a half of training.
[4] Following Moussambani's struggling but courageous performance in the men's 100 metres freestyle event, the media turned their attention to his female compatriot.
According to The Telegraph, "the spectator gallery was almost full as the news spread that a female Eric was making an appearance.
[10][11] Barila Bolopa gained entry to the Olympics without meeting the minimum qualification requirements via a wildcard draw designed to encourage participation by developing countries without expensive training facilities.