Raquel was born on January 28, 1981 and grew up in La Vega, located in the Central region of the Dominican Republic. In this small town, where there were only two bookstores, things were simple, life was quiet and safe. Raquel swam from the age of 3,  participating in kids swimming events until about the age of 11.

Initially swimming was not her passion during her childhood years, she always showed interest in cycling so Raquel joined a local MTB club.  A few years later her swim coach observing her agility and passion on the bike mentioned about a sport totally unknown to many called "Triathlon".