By LISA MACLEOD
For The Beachcomber
The Vashon Seals Swim Team welcomed acclaimed swimmer Ariana Kukors as she crashed their practice on April 1. Kukors and her teammate and friend Rebecca Soni recently started what they call “practice crashes,” where they drop in on swim practices, surprise the swimmers and share a couple of stories with the team. They have made a commitment to do this whenever they travel, and as Kukors was visiting family on the island, she decided to pay the Seals a visit.
“First of all, the stories are crucial,” Kukors said of the practice crashes. “No matter what age, people love the stories about what made you successful. Secondly, the parents love to be included and listen in as well — and they have incredibly valuable questions. … Third, they are just fun for us. How lucky that we were able to impact a community where they care if we walk onto a pool deck!”
Kukors began swimming competitively at age 5, after her older sister Emily joined a swim team. She immediately fell in love with the water and learned to dream while staring at that black line. She made her first USA National Team at age 15 and won her first international medal at age 17. In 2008, she missed making the Olympic team by 0.08 in the 200-meter individual medley (200 IM). In 2009, she won her first world championship title and set the 200 IM world record. In 2012, she achieved her career dream and qualified for the USA Olympic Team in the 200 IM. Throughout her career, she won 21 national championships and seven international medals and has broken six U.S. records and two world records. Kukors is the current world record holder in the 200 IM. Since her retirement from swimming in 2012, she has set out to use her experiences to inspire change in the lives of others. From on-camera work at the Sochi Olympics to corporate presentations to her role as director of health inspiration at LifeWise, she has worked to engage, encourage and motivate people from all walks of life.
Seals swimmers and their parents were able to ask questions, wear Kukors’ medals and show off their skills as part of an all-team practice.
“As Seals athletes do not all train on the same day, this is a great opportunity for the whole team to come together, swim with each other and learn from an inspiring athlete,” said Head Coach Randy Turner. “It’s a perfect way to finish out a successful winter quarter and inspire the swimmers for the long course season ahead.”
Seals President Karin Choo also expressed her enthusiasm about Kukors’ visit.
“I am honored she chose our practice to crash. It’s a thrilling opportunity for all our athletes to learn from the best and a chance to showcase the importance of swimming in our community. The timing could not be better as we strive to build awareness about covering the outdoor pool.”
— Lisa MacLeod is the aquatic director of the Vashon Seals Swim Team.
