From placing in the top three at the Florida Sunshine State Games, to dominating with 35 total medals in the 2022 State Games of America, the Tiger Sharks are making their legacy one to remember.
Eleven members of the Kissimmee Swim Association traveled to Iowa July 29-31, and all of them received medals at this year’s State Games, including personal bests in 68 races.
The KSA is a swim program that trains at the Bob Makinson Aquatic Center, under the guidance of head coach Jolena Adams and assistant coaches T.J. Jurgens and Roberto Corchado. Adams, who also coaches the women’s swimming team at St. Cloud High School, said it all comes down to this: “Swim fast and give it all you’ve got, plus heart.”
Eight-year-old Tiger Shark Reagan Powell did just that. She came back from her first swimming competition with eight medals. Powell finished first in both the girls 8-andunder 100-meter freestyle (1:41.74) and, her favorite race, the 50-meter backstroke (53.02).
No stranger to being in a competitive setting, 17-year-old senior Maryam Elfakir said getting to experience the State Games with the Tiger Sharks was unforgettable.
“My favorite part about it was probably the relays, you know, we were all cheering for each other,” Elfakir said.
Elfakir finished first in the mixed ages 13-18 200-yard freestyle relay and received medals in three other races. When she’s not training with the KSA, Elfakir gets her reps in with the Gateway High School swim team.
“I just like being competitive, pushing myself and just having a drive to compete with others around me,” Elfakir said.
By finishing in the top three this year, the Tiger Sharks stamped their ticket to the 2024 State Games in San Diego – and for Adams, the training never stops.
“It’s setting those goals, and the next swim meet they want to see themselves improve,” Adams said. “You're racing yourself too, so beating that time is like such a big victory.”
For now, they’re setting their sights on preparing for the Heart of Florida Swim Meet in Haines City Sept. 23-24.
Adams said it’s not all about the hustle and competition; they value the memories they make together.
“We try to create that culture of, it’s a family, our Tiger Shark family.”
