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Tuesday, March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024

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Kim rises early and shines for Camas swimming

Swimmer answers early morning call to compete for Camas

The Columbian
Published:

CAMAS — Mark Kim had his reasons for not wanting to swim for the high school team.

He was content being a club swimmer, for one.

Then there was the practice times for Camas High School swimmers. Who wants to get up at 5 a.m. to be in the pool by 5:30?

Fortunately for Kim, he had an open mind when he took the advice of an older, accomplished swimmer. Kim still would prefer to sleep in, but he is enjoying his time as a high school swimmer.

Last year, Kim’s freshman year at Camas, a senior swimmer made sure to call him in the weeks leading up to the season, describing all the benefits of being on the high school team. Kasey Calwell is now in college, but his phone calls last fall put into motion an opportunity for Kim to one day become a high school champion.

“I was really adamant that I didn’t want to do it,” Kim said. “I really hated morning practice. But it was a lot of fun. I didn’t believe him at first, but I did have fun. The team is really great. The guys are really fun to hang out with.”

A year later, Kim wants to do exactly what Calwell did at Camas — win at state.

Kim finished fifth last year in the 500-yard freestyle. Two of the athletes in front of him in that event have graduated, and Kim believes he has improved enough to compete for the victory.

“The state experience was kind of overwhelming at first, being a freshman,” Kim said. “I kind of felt intimidated. But getting to state encouraged me, told me I could do a lot better this year.”

Camas coach Mike Bemis said it is tough to convince swimmers that the 5:30 a.m. start time is beneficial. Still, once Kim gets in the pool, it’s business. It’s time to work.

“He’s one of the few swimmers who has dedicated his practices to his abilities,” Bemis said.

In other words, he never takes it easy. Kim pushes himself because he knows somewhere the other top swimmers in the state are pushing themselves. Kim might be less than thrilled at 5:29 a.m., but at 5:30, it’s go time.

Kim will be swimming for district titles today in Kelso, but he already has qualified for state in the 500 and 200 freestyle events.

Bemis said he expects Kim to be seeded no worse than third in the 500 and might go into state as the No. 1.

Kim said he wants a title in the 500 and a top-three finish in the 200.

“Two firsts would be nice but I don’t think it’s possible … yet.”

The 200 is more of an extended sprint, Kim said, while the 500 allows him to get into a rhythm.

“With the feel of the race, I’m a lot better with the 500,” he said.

Swimming has been his calling for years. It became apparent, he said, that he was not built for a lot of other sports.

“As a kid, my dad said I couldn’t do anything with a ball. That was something that always stuck with me,” Kim said with a laugh. “The water always felt natural. It was always a second home, in the pool.”

Last summer, he had to take a couple months off from swimming due to an ankle injury.

“The worst time of my life. It felt so weird,” Kim said. “It was terrible for me. I hated not being in the water.”

Healthy and strong, Kim is back in the water again. Early in the morning for high school. Afternoons for club.

Whenever is just fine for him now, because when he is in the pool, Mark Kim feels right at home.

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