By Harlie-Bates Hudgin
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After many years spent training in competitive swimming competitions, Senior Kevin Frifeldt was signed to Columbia University in New York in January for his passion and talent for swimming.
“(I had) mixed emotions (about getting signed) because it was great that I was going to college, but not so great that I was going to be so far from Hawaii,” said Frifeldt as he recalled his initial reaction. “Now that it’s set a little bit, I feel better. I’m just getting excited now.”
As a dedicated member of the swim team, Frifeldt has practiced for several years to get where he is today, and the effort is apparent to his coaches and teammates. “Kevin has been in the sport of swimming for many years,” said one of Frifeldt’s coaches, John Flanagan from the Kamehameha Swim Club, “He is always looking for ways to improve, and comes to practice with a determined attitude and willingness to learn that inspires others around him.” A good friend of Frifeldt’s from the Kamehameha Swim Club, Ryan Stack added, “Kevin was not only happy, but relieved (when he got the scholarship). I knew he had been dealing with some issues as to making sure his dream of swimming and studying at Columbia would come true, so it seemed like a big relief for him.”
Frifeldt spent 12 years preparing himself for competitions that would increase his swimming experience. He came so far that he had been fortunate enough to compete in the FINA Oceania Swimming Championships in New Caledonia two years ago. His hopes are that this year he will be able to do the same thing. “If everything goes well and I’m selected, then I’ll be going to New Zealand this summer,” said Frifeldt.
Frifeldt is supported by his coach and his teammates, who urge him to be the best he can be. “As Kevin’s coach, I expect him to strive daily to be at his best,” said Flanagan, “He has a great work ethic and has many talents. My hope for him is that this translates to success in other aspects of his life as well as his swimming.” Stack added, “I’m glad that we got to swim together for the past, I don’t even know how many years. (I hope he keeps) up the hard work and I hope to see (him) doing big things somewhere in the future.”
With his teammates, coaches and family supporting him completely, Frifeldt strives to do his best and appreciates all that his advocates have done for him. “(My teammates) were really supportive, they were really proud of me. I’m lucky to have teammates like that,” said Frifeldt.
Once Frifeldt graduates, he hopes to participate in the FINA Oceania Swimming Championships in New Zealand from May 18 to 23. Following the championships, Frifeldt will be packing his bags for a trip to New York where he will study and compete as a Lion at Columbia University.
Read more about Frifeldt’s swimming career here and check out our past articles:
Breaking personal records, Dewald and Frifeldt improve on times
Frifeldt, Sodini compete in annual Northwest Senior Sectional championships
