‘Another’ Artim
Crown Point junior building on legacy of sisters Mackenzie, Kelsi
As the youngest of three sisters, Crown Point junior Jordan Artim is no stranger to hearing certain phrases.
It’s usually something along the lines of “oh, you’re another Artim” after Mackenzie and Kelsi Artim experienced much success with the Bulldogs.
“They’re all a little bit different, but definitely three of the most talented swimmers we’ve had,” Crown Point coach Bryon Angerman said. “And we’ve had a lot of talent here.
“It’s always hard being the last of the siblings, but she has a great attitude and really cares about the sport.”
Jordan Artim said she doesn’t feel like she was in the shadow of her sisters. Instead, she uses them more as a standard.
Mackenzie Artim, a senior at Purdue, swims at the club level. Kelsi Artim is a sophomore swimmer at Wisconsin.
“I think being the youngest made me more competitive,” Jordan Artim said.
“I can compare myself to them and wanna be faster than them and beat their times. They left a good example of what needs to be done.”
Jordan Artim is well on her way to making her own name for herself.
Last season, she won the sectional championship in the both 100 breaststroke and the 200 individual medley, placing 16th and 20th at state, respectively. She was on the state-qualifying 200 freestyle and medley relays as a freshman.
“We had her in the free, but she’s good with both the breast and the IM,” Angerman said.
“I think that’ll prepare her well for the next level of swimming knowing she can swim IM. I can see her being an asset to a nice Division I school.”
With Kelsi Artim swimming similar events, Jordan Artim said she remains a calming influence, even encouraging her to go after the program record in the breaststroke.
“If she learns anything new at Wisconsin, she comes to me as soon as possible with things that will help me,” Jordan Artim said. “Just the other day, she was at practice with us and was able to teach me something a little more advanced when racing in the breast. It’s been really helpful.”
When it comes to individual events in the sectional, Jordan Artim knows she will need to choose either the 100-breaststroke or 50-yard freestyle.
Angerman said the decision depends on how well she’s racing
in either event.
“We’re pushing the envelope a little bit with her training-wise,” Angerman said. “Sometimes the hardest thing for an athlete is having a lot of talent and winning races comes easy.
“It’s about learning how to train when she’s tired and she’s still learning how to do that, but she’s working at it. Her work ethic grows each year.”
While Jordan Artim confirmed there are days she doesn’t want to get in the water, she continues to be driven by her goals.
She wants to place in the top eight at state, qualify for junior nationals, break her sister’s record and swim at the Division I level.
“I know if I don’t get in the pool, those things can’t happen for me,” she said. “It’s a mental game with swimming. My family, coaches, teammates have all helped me with it. They’re my motivation.”