Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer fun, with City-operated pool openings offering extended holiday hours. SwimRVA, a nonprofit known as the community hub for aquatics in the Richmond region, aims to keep kids safe throughout pool season and “drown-proof” the Richmond area by teaching every child to swim.

The American Red Cross estimates that one in six Americans doesn’t know how to swim, but cautions that this number could be low since many people overestimate their swimming ability.

According to studies conducted by USA Swimming and the University of Memphis, 70% of Black Americans can’t swim. In comparison, 31% of white people don’t know how to swim. Researchers attribute the disparity to systemic racism, segregation and ongoing social and economic barriers. These disparities contribute to Black children drowning at rates four times higher on average than white children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Funded by anonymous and private donors, SwimRVA’s Drownproof Richmond initiative, launched in 2013, works to teach every child in the Richmond area how to swim.

The program, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Richmond, works with 32 elementary schools across the region, including six Richmond public schools — Bellevue, Chimborazo, Fairfield, Marsh, Swansboro and Woodville — to offer second-graders 45-minute swim classes for seven weeks during school.

SwimRVA’s programs also include swim lessons for all ages, lifeguard training and certifications, pool operator courses, fitness classes, summer swim camps, competitive swim, artistic swimming and water polo. There are four locations in the area — North Chesterfield, Meadowbrook, North Henrico and Church Hill — with partner pools in Hopewell, Mechanicsville and Petersburg.

Leading the organization’s board is Sophie King, a professional runner and former competitive swimmer. She brings not only athletic experience but also a strong academic foundation, with a bachelor’s degree in biology, physiology and neurobiology and a master’s in public health.

One of a set of quadruplets, King grew up in an active household that nurtured her athletic drive. While her siblings gravitated to other sports, swimming became her own pursuit — a space where she could carve out her individual path. Today, she draws from that foundation to help shape a safer, more equitable future for young swimmers in the region.

What is it like being one of a set of quadruplets? They are my biggest inspiration, influencing who I’ve become. We feel more comfortable with each other than by ourselves. We’re a part of each other. We are constantly competing with each other. It’s not intense competition, though. It’s pure love — more like drive.

When did you start running marathons? My first marathon was the 2021 Richmond Marathon. I did it because my dad used to do it. He’s immobile now due to multiple strokes and has dementia. He wanted one more shot, so I started training for him. Less than two years later, I made the Olympic Trials. In 2024, I finished seventh in the U.S. Championships. 

Unfortunately, I was injured and had to undergo surgery, forcing me to withdraw. It was a tough setback, but I didn’t let it define me. I’m now setting my sights on 2028.

You’ve said that your most significant accomplishmentwas learning to pursue possibilities over practicality. Can you expand on that? Going to medical school was a goal for me. I started applying to different schools and never thought twice about it. It was exciting, but it didn’t satiate me. I felt like something was missing. Then I started running and found the courage to pursue the possibility of doing well in the marathon instead of the practicality of med school.

I’d have to choose between the two because both are demanding pursuits. Running became something that fueled me. It was more important than medical school.

Why did you choose to swim competitively at UConn? I wanted to venture out beyond Virginia. My other siblings stayed in Virginia for college, which made it hard for me to leave. I learned about myself.

My family’s love for basketball and running was palpable, but I found my path in swimming. It became more than a sport to me. It became a part of my identity.

What is SwimRVA? We build social bridges through our partnerships with civic leaders, schools, community groups and amazing organizations like the YMCA, the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs and Virginia State University through aquatics that cross physical, racial and economic barriers. We promote water safety, health and fitness, sports tourism, competitive aquatics and possibilities for all Richmonders.

Tell us about SwimRVA’s Drown-proof Initiative.

We’re working with the YMCA of Greater Richmond to give every second-grader in our city the chance to learn how to swim through a unique station-based program designed by the coaches of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team.

We provide 45-minute lessons once per week for seven weeks to the entire second grade of every school we work with.

Why did you get involved in SwimRVA? Board members approached me. It is an honor to be surrounded by such incredible leaders in the Richmond area. They motivate me and remind me that possibilities are endless. I took the position because if I can make an impact, I’m going to do it. In my master’s program, I learned that we must impact as widely as possible.

What is your role as board chair for SwimRVA? In addition to shaping development strategies, I actively participate in SwimRVA events and fundraising efforts and serve as an ambassador for the organization in the broader community. I also help secure funding for the organization, along with members of the development committee. We do this by leveraging our personal networks and influence and making our own financial contributions. I find it unique that the entire SwimRVA board makes personal donations to the organization.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of running and swimming? I recently bought a house in Forest Hills, so I am renovating the kitchen and one bathroom. I’m also doing a lot of decorating.

Why did you pursue a master’s in public health? I wanted to make sure I had a well-rounded view of health and science, including the social, economic and other factors that contribute to the practice of medicine.

What do you do as an operations coordinator at the National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health? I work on any project involving the production of literature on the safety and efficacy of cancer treatments for doctors.

For example, we provide summaries on our websites and coordinate conferences. Our agency has been affected by the current federal cutbacks, so my job is much more challenging now.

What’s your favorite song? “Redbone” by Childish Gambino

What’s your favorite scripture? “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Favorite book? “All the Light We Cannot See.” by Anthony Doerr.

Favorite movie? “Pulp Fiction.”

What’s your No. 1 goal? My biggest personal goal is to make the Olympic Team for 2028.