by Alicia Massey, staff reporter
Heejin Kim is a junior that has a special talent. Other than managing schoolwork and her home life, she does an activity that few people do. She does synchronized swimming.
According to Merriam Webster, synchronized swimming is when swimmers move together in patterns accompanied by music. It’s a mixture of swimming, dance, and gymnastics. While most people do the tame and recreational swimming, Heejin takes it to a whole other level.
When did you start doing synchronized swimming?
I started at the end of eighth grade summer, before freshman year.
What made you want to do it?
At first, my mom’s friend told my mom about it and my mom forced me to do it. But then, I ended up enjoying.
How long have you been doing it for?
About two and a half years. I’m resting junior year to study for SAT. I will start again senior year.
Where did you practice?
We usually practice at John Jay in Manhattan.
Why do you like doing this?
It’s a stress reliever. It’s really fun. My favorite part is when our team practices without using googles because it shows we are progressing.
Have you gone to competitions for synchro?
I went to Nationals. I had a panic attack because I was so nervous but then it really felt good in the water. After I exercise and swim, I’m always in a better mood after swimming.
How has synchro impacted your personal life?
Well I couldn’t go to church on Sundays because practices were also on Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM and church starts at 11 and ends at 2PM. My friend’s birthday parties were on Fridays and Saturday and competitions are on Friday, Saturday, and sometimes Sunday. I was angry because sometimes I would miss out on birthday parties and hanging out with friends.
How has synchro impacted your school life?
Competitions are normally on Fridays so my mom had to pick me up early. I had to practice Monday, Wednesday, Saturday (sometimes), and Sunday so I had a difficult time finishing my homework. I got home late and I would have to stay up even later finishing my work.
What was one of the most difficult moves you learned in synchro?
I would have to say it was the porpoise. You lay with your face in the water and you bend so your body is parallel to the surface of the water and you lift your legs up and then you turn 360 degrees and then turn again this time your ankles too and you sink down and you tuck and you come back up face forward.
