Kayla Hepler

Kayla Hepler
Personal information
NationalityMarshall Islands
Born (2002-03-22) 22 March 2002 (age 22)[1]
Sport
SportSwimming
College teamNebraska Wesleyan University

Kayla Hepler (born 22 March 2002) is a swimmer who represents the Marshall Islands. She was selected for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Early life

Hepler was born on Ebeye Island in Kwajalein Atoll. Coached by her mother Amy LaCost, she began swimming at a very early age. An avid scuba diver from the age of 10, Hepler is a graduate of Kwajalein Jr-Sr High School. She worked as a lifeguard and assistant sports coach on Kwajalein. She attended Nebraska Wesleyan University.[2][3]

Career

She represented the Marshall Islands at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.[4][5][6]

She represented the Marshall Islands at the 2021 FINA World Swimming Championships in Abu Dhabi, where she set personal bests in both the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle.[7]

She was selected to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 50m freestyle.[8]

References

  1. ^ "Kayla Hepler". World Acquatics. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  2. ^ Just, Amie (28 July 2024). "Ample storylines close to home as Paris Olympics get underway". kearneyhub. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  3. ^ "NWU's Hepler Competes In FINA World Swimming Championships". nwusports. 21 December 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  4. ^ Sablan, Jerick. "Kayla Hepler loves representing Marshall Islands". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  5. ^ "Kayla Hepler competes for Marshall Islands". USA Today. 10 October 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  6. ^ Sablan, Jerick. "FSM's Margie Winter takes first place in swim heat at Youth Olympics". USA Today. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Student swims for home country in international championship". Nebrwesleyan.edu. June 29, 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  8. ^ "Kayla Hepler 2024 Olympic Journey: From NWU Swimmer to Marshall Islands Representative". bvmsports. 25 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2024.