Marine from Okinawa takes to pool in pursuit of personal best

Photo By Cpl. Antwain Graham | David Saroka, a competitive swimmer, spends his free time swimming laps at the 50 meter pool on Camp Foster.  

10.09.2009

Story by Pfc. Antwain Graham 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

For some people, swimming is just another lap in the pool, but for David Saroka, it's a way of life.

David Saroka, an avid competitor swimmer, said he has commanded the chlorine waters since he started swimming at age 9.

Most of his fellow Marines have nicknamed him 'Aquaman' because they say he practically lives in the water, Saroka said.

"I've been given so many nicknames over the years," said Saroka, who works at the Camp Foster armory compound. "My favorite is 'meet-head', because growing up I was always going to swim meets because I live to swim.

Saroka said he uses swimming to keep himself active and in shape as swimming is great cardio and a full body workout.

"When I practice, I usually swim for about two hours," Saroka said. "If I'm just swimming for fun, I could probably splash around all day." During two hours of pool time, he will swim about two to three miles on average, Saroka said.

But, living as a Marine on Okinawa, he often has to balance his work at the armory with his swim practice.

"Sometimes, my priorities with work don't allow me much time to practice the way I used to, so I just swim whenever I can," he said. Saroka's training includes a circuit of strength-building exercises and cardio to build endurance at the gym.

He swims laps in the pool to help convert bulk muscle into fast-twitch muscle which helps for a faster turnover, the maneuver for reversing direction during a lap.

Ultimately, the combination of training methods helps increase his speed and overall efficiency when swimming, he said.

"If I'm not doing laps, I'm swimming at the beach," Saroka said. "I'm always in a training mind set."

Though he hasn't placed in swim meets here, Saroka has competed with the Okinawa Dolphins in the Japanese Swim League earlier this year. He also plans to compete in a swim meet later in October, he added.

Saroka said his swimming skills benefit him with Marine Corps training as well. He currently holds swim qualification two and said he plans to test as combat swim qualified.

Saroka said his love for swimming has helped him with the Marine Corps values.

"The values we use in the Corps are similar to the values I use when swimming, like commitment," he said. "I have to be committed to swimming if I want to be the best. The same goes if I want to excel at physical training or anything else in the Marine Corps."
Saroka plans to amp up his regular training schedule once he leaves the armory and returns to Communication Electrician Maintenance Platoon with Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

"When I don't get to swim I miss it," he said. "As soon as I get into the water, I put my game face on."

• Date Taken: 10.09.2009
• Date Posted: 10.13.2009 01:20
• Story ID: 40002