Students Making a Splash

If you’re ever trying to locate Bella, Ethan and Owen Ekk, try a local pool, where they spend 22 hours per week. Such is the time commitment, stamina and dedication it takes to be a teenager qualifying for the Olympics.

Bella (18), Ethan (16) and Owen (15) will be competing in the 2024 Canadian Olympic trials on May 13–19. Hundreds of young adults will take to the water for one of the 10 coveted spots to compete as a junior Olympic athlete.

When asking teenagers what they’re most excited about regarding the trials, the expected answer might be an unfiltered want to win. But for the Ekks, winning isn’t everything.

“The competition is fun, but it’s just as fun outside the pool getting to meet new people and make connections,” said Owen.

Swimming has been a part of the Ekks’ lives as early as they could be in a pool. Their mother, Elizabeth Ekk, enrolled Bella in Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) lessons at 18 months. She would follow the same pattern with the two boys.

Owen, Bella and Ethan Ekk, pictured left to right, have been swimming most of their lives. In May, they’ll head to the 2024 Canadian Olympic trials to try and earn three coveted spots to compete as junior Olympic athletes. Photo by Dave Barfield

Elizabeth enrolled all three children in swim clubs for their age groups as an activity they could do together. They soon gained the attention of Terry Maul, head coach of the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club (ATAC).

“Even from such young ages, I could tell they were talented and had very good technique,” said Maul.

Maul notes that Ethan excels in distance swims, whereas Bella and Owen are more oriented toward shorter distances and speed. Each has varied goals, but they’re receptive to feedback, eager listeners and highly focused athletes.

“It’s a mentally and physically demanding sport, and our coaches push us in ways that make us better swimmers and people,” Ethan said. “What I’m proudest of myself for is seeing the ways in which I’ve listened to improve and develop throughout the years.”

Terry Maul, head coach of the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club. Photo by Dave Barfield

What began as competition within ATAC led to state and national swim meets, all culminating in the opportunity to compete internationally. As dual citizens of the United States and Canada, based on qualifying times, the Ekks decided to attend the Canadian trials.

To participate in the Olympic trials, swimmers must have met or exceeded the qualifying swim times. Over six days, they will compete in the following events: 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 400 free, 800 free, and slower heats, 200 back and 200 IM.

In preparation for the trials, the Ekks have had to include more long course training because the international distance is measured in long course meters.

The Ekks have nine weekly practices — three mornings from 5:30–6:30 a.m., five afternoons from 2:30–6:30 p.m., and a Saturday morning practice. Between swimming, the Ekks attend high school, Bella at Maclay High School and Ethan and Owen at Chiles High School. All maintain above 4.0 GPAs and are members of the National Society of High School Scholars.

The Ekk children train under Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club’s Terry Maul. He previously served as the head coach for the USA National Junior Team in Montreal, Canada, in 1992 and the USA National Team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1984, among other roles. Photo by Dave Barfield

“People don’t know just how hard it is balancing swimming and school, but doing so has taught me a lot about perseverance and time management, which will only continue to benefit me in the future,” said Bella.

Bella has a monumental May. That month, she will try out for the Olympics and graduate high school. She has committed to swimming and studying at Auburn University in the fall. Ethan is already in talks with universities to continue his swimming career.

“Swimming has opened so many doors for them and shaped them into the people they are,” said Elizabeth. “They set their own alarms each morning and sacrifice social time because of their commitment to and love of the sport. They are self-motivated. As their parents, we aren’t here to be coaches. We are here to support, love and cheer them on.”

To take a quick scroll through Elizabeth’s social media, you’ll witness this devotion to and awe she holds for her children — posing next to pools throughout the state with trophies and the blissful, exhausted smiles that accompany a win.

Elizabeth Ekk is the owner and broker of Ekk Realty Group in Tallahassee. Her career no doubt keeps her busy; however, she and her husband take every opportunity to travel up and down the state to witness their children’s meets and cheer them on. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Ekk

Keeping athletes fed is no small feat, especially when two are teenage boys. While eating and sleeping count among the siblings’ favorite things to do, when they do have downtime, they enjoy playing golf, surfing, traveling and teaching young children how to swim.

“We aren’t good at sitting still, and even when we participate in other sports, we are competitive but in a different way,” said Owen.

The Ekks are brimming with forward momentum, but Coach Maul reminds them, as he does all his athletes, to slow down. Each of the children expressed their own interpretations of one of Maul’s common sentiments — in a world of instant gratification, swimming presents delayed gratification.

Maul, who has coached hundreds of children throughout his over 50 years, notes that the majority desire trophies and medals right away. When that doesn’t happen, they get burnt out or quit. Swimming is for those unafraid to commit to the demand, training and physical changes that occur over the years, leading ultimately to success.

“The Ekks challenge themselves and are a joy to coach,” said Maul. “Any time you’re surrounded by extreme athletes at a national competition, you begin seeing yourself in those fellow athletes. I believe no matter the outcome, the Ekks will take this experience to set even higher goals for the future.”

Swimming Stats

Owen Ekk National Rankings

» Currently 1st 200 IM long course meters in 2024 for 15-year-old males (2:07.62)

» 1st 50 free long course meters in 2023 for 14-year-old males (23.88)

» 1st 100 free long course meters in 2023 for 14-year-old males (52.23)

» 2023 Florida High School 3A State champion on 50 and 100-yard free as a freshman

» Voted 14-year-old Long Course Swimmer of the Year by the Florida Swimming Association for 2023

Bella Ekk National Rankings

» 14th in 200 free short course yards in 2023 for 18-year-old females (1:46.64)

» 17th in 200 free long course meters in 2023 for 17-year-old females (2:02.06)

» 2023 Florida High School 1A State 2nd place finish in the 100- and 200-yard freestyle

Ethan Ekk National Rankings

» Currently 2nd 200 free long course meters in 2024 for 16-year-old males (1:50.21)

» 5th 400 free long course meters in 2023 for 15-year-old males (3:59.17)

» 4th 800 free long course meters in 2023 for 16-year-old males (8:06.22)

» 2023 Florida High School 3A State Champion in the 200 IM and 500-yard free as a junior