The Washington Water Sharks Swim team made a trip to Marshalltown over the weekend for the 2020 Iowa YMCA State Meet and one senior went out as a two-time champion.

Michael Kimball nabbed his first and second career individual state title by clocking the fastest time in the 50-yard freestyle and 50-yard breaststroke. His mark of 21.52 seconds in the 50-yard free is a new state record. Kimball tells KCII Sports going out a champ was always on his mind. “In the homestretch of the races I noticed others getting closer to me so I had to keep kicking and give it my all. I was pretty shocked to see that I won and it was my dream to win a state title. It was an amazing feeling.” The senior also placed second in the 100-yard free and had a pair of fifth place finishes in relays. Last month, Kimball was apart of the Iowa High School State Champion Swim Team at Iowa City West. Other notable boy finishes from the weekend included Brennen Westphal fifth in the 50 and 100-yard breaststroke, Quinn Wubbena eighth in the 100-yard breaststroke, Lucas Kitchen eighth in the 50-yard breaststroke, and Colton Slaubaugh ninth in the 50-yard fly.

Audrey Wubbena had a productive day on the girls’ side placing fifth in the 100-yard freestyle, seventh in the 100-yard backstroke, and seventh in the 200-yard free. Other finishes included Makenzie Messer ninth in the 50-yard breaststroke, Sydney Williams ninth in the 50-yard free, and Makenzie Messer ninth in the 50-yard breaststroke.

The Water Sharks had 20 individuals compete ranging from 8 to 18 years of age. The boys finished sixth overall in the final team standings out of 17 teams and the girls were seventh. Kimball and other individuals that managed qualifying times advance to regionals next weekend in Des Moines. Kimball is our JET Physical Therapy Athlete of the Week and listen to our full interview with him by clicking on the audio below.