Monica Puig becomes emotional speaking to the people of Puerto Rico

(RNN) – Puerto Rico’s first-ever Olympic champion is hurting for her homeland after the devastation left by Hurricane Maria.

It was one of the strongest storms to hit Puerto Rico in decades.

Last year, Monica Puig won Olympic tennis gold and received a hero’s welcome on her return to the island.

This week the 23-year-old San Juan native is watching the images of destruction while on tour.

 She spoke to CNN from a tennis event in China.

 She wept as she sent a message of hope to her people.

Puig has launched a fundraising campaign – Help Rebuild Puerto Rico – which was already passed its initial $25,000 target.

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