Mark is a marvelous swimmer for Mercer Island

Mercer Island senior Chloe Mark has loved swimming since she was in elementary school.

By Shaun Scott • September 19, 2018 2:01 pm
Mercer Island Islanders senior swim athlete Chloe Mark, who has advanced to the Class 3A state swim meet in the 500 free the past two seasons, wants to see her team finish in one of the top three spots at the Class 3A state swim meet this November. The Islanders captured fourth place at the Class 3A state meet during the 2017 season. Shaun Scott/staff photo
Mercer Island Islanders senior swim athlete Chloe Mark, who has advanced to the Class 3A state swim meet in the 500 free the past two seasons, wants to see her team finish in one of the top three spots at the Class 3A state swim meet this November. The Islanders captured fourth place at the Class 3A state meet during the 2017 season. Shaun Scott/staff photo

Learning how to swim wasn’t an option for Chloe Mark during her childhood, it was a necessity.

“My mom said we live on an island, you should be a good swimmer,” Mark said of her mother’s speech to her more than a decade ago. “I started swimming at the Mercer Island Country club when I was 6 and have never stopped swimming since then.”

Mark is undoubtedly one of the senior leaders of a Mercer Island Islanders girls swim program well known for its excellence. Last season, the Islanders captured fourth place at the Class 3A state swim and dive championships in Federal Way. Mark, who advanced to the state swim meet as an individual in the 500 free the past two seasons, enjoys the challenge of competing in the long-distance race in the pool.

“The 500 (free) is a very difficult event. Not a lot of people like to swim it, so I think a lot of people look up to me for swimming in such a long event,” Mark said.

Mark said she wants to see her team finish in the top three at the state meet this November.

“Being on this team is an amazing experience and is probably the best part of my high school experience,” Mark explained. “The girls are all very supportive of each other. There is definitely a unique blend of people from all kinds of different levels of swimming. Everyone is very different but we all come together for the love of the sport and we love to support each other.”

Recently the Mercer Island Reporter had an opportunity to ask Baker some questions about her life outside of the pool.

Mercer Island Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Chloe Mark: “Clueless.” I think that it is very cliche and is just kind of a classic movie.

MIR: What is your favorite restaurant in Mercer Island?

CM: QDOBA (Mexican eatery). Its fast, easy and good for people on the go.

MIR: What kind of music are you listening to the most on your iPod right now?

CM: Probably pop music and a little bit of alternative.

MIR: Who was your idol growing up?

CM: Michael Phelps and Albert Einstein. Albert Einstein because he is the smartest man alive and Michael Phelps because he is an amazing athlete.

MIR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

CM: People who can dish it out but can’t take it back.

MIR: What is your favorite hobby away from swimming?

CM: I love to play water polo. It involves swimming and it has a great team aspect.

MIR: What is the last movie you saw in the theater?

CM: “The Meg” (shark movie). I do not really like scary movies or action movies. I was very anxious the whole time.