Silva attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she studied medicine, with a degree in neurology, psychology, and cognitive science. In the same year, she became a varsity player and member of the university's swimming and diving team, and eventually achieved, with numerous academic honors and sports awards, by participating in the collegiate championships. She was also admitted to the Peru national swimming team, and selected as one of the twelve athletes to represent the nation at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, after winning the South American Championships. Silva swam in the second heat of the women's 100 m breaststroke, where she placed fifth and thirty-seventh overall in 1:13.52.