UP & COMERS KAYLA HAN

UP & COMERS

AGE GROUP SWIMMER OF THE MONTH

BY SHOSHANNA RUTEMILLER | PHOTO BY DANIEL HAN

La Mirada Armada’s (Calif.) Kayla Han just turned 13 years old, but she’s performing with the skill of a much older swimmer. At the U.S. Olympic Trials (Wave I), June 4-7, Han came from behind to win the B-final of the 400 meter individual medley in an exciting race that saw her trailing the field until the final 50 meters when she turned fourth, but touched first in 4:51.08.

With the next Olympic Trials only three years away, it will be exciting to see what this young swimmer can accomplish.

Just weeks before her Olympic Trials debut, Han smashed the 11-12 national age group record in the 400 meter IM by nearly five seconds with a 4:50.70 at the Speedo Grand Challenge in Irvine, Calif. Elizabeth Beisel, a three-time Olympian and the 2012 Olympic silver medalist in the 400 IM, set the previous record of 4:55.35 in 2005.

The day before, she also took down Claire Tuggle’s NAG mark in the 400 freestyle (4:18.41, 2017) with a 4:17.65. Then she finished the meet with a third NAG record in the 800 free, touching in 8:50.58 to lower the previous mark of 8:55.43, set by Isabella Rongione in 2012.

“Kayla is a consistent and tenacious trainer,” says her coach, Rick Shipherd. “She has a unique ability to fit in with older swimmers, who by nature are very competitive in their own way.

“You might think that could get contentious, but Kayla’s quiet and timid disposition disarms everyone. They enjoy her quiet confidence. Dubbed ‘Baby Beast’ by some of our older athletes, she lives up to the friendly nickname daily.”

Out of the pool, Kayla is happy-go-lucky and sometimes downright goofy. She can also be quite shy, which completely changes when she steps up on the blocks. She loves to cook and dance to her favorite K-pop groups.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING YOU DO IN SWIMMING?

Racing other people during practice and keeping a positive mindset during tough sets.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST WORKOUTS/SETS YOU’VE DONE?

There are tough sets every day, but once every few months, we do a test set of 30x100 long course, holding your fastest average.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SWIMMING?

The feeling of excitement when you know your race is going to be good...and seeing the smiles on my teammates’ faces after a good race.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?

I’m excited to race in more events that I usually don’t swim. Out of the pool, I’m looking forward to hanging out with my friends.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN SWIMMING...AND WHY?

Elizabeth Beisel...because she’s one of the greatest 400 IMers. She’s kind and she gives good advice.

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