By Laken Stewart
For Mark Chay, who began competitive swimming at the age of 5, representing his country at the Olympic Games was the height of his athletic career.
'Everyone says that competing in the Olympics is the pinnacle of sports,' Chay said. 'It is true.'
BYU coach Tim Powers recruited Chay in Singapore in 1999 and Chay began swimming freestyle for the Cougars his freshman year in 2003.
The 23-year-old Chay, a communications studies major, has earned a myriad of awards and honors, and has competed in worldwide competitions, including the Asian Games in 1998 and 2002, and the Olympics in 2000 and 2004.
Chay finished fifth and eighth in his heats of 200- and 100-meter freestyle races, respectively. Although he failed to qualify for the semifinals in either event, participating on a large international athletic stage proved valuable.
Not only did Chay gain Olympic experience from his competition, but also a tattoo. On Chay''s right calf one can find the colorful blue, green, red, black and yellow rings.
'Every Olympian gets one,' Chay said. 'Don''t worry, I cleared it with my mom.'
Chay has devoted considerable time to swimming in order to compete at collegiate, national and international levels. In high school, Chay would practice 28 hours a week. Now he must follow the NCAA restrictions of practicing only twenty hours week, which is still a major commitment, but Chay is perfectly happy with the way things are.
'I don''t know what I''d be doing if I weren''t swimming,' Chay said. 'I guess I could play golf, watch TV or hang with friends, but there''s really nothing else I''d rather be doing. I love swimming. It''s the thrill of racing. I love trying my best and seeing how I do.'
It hasn''t always been easy and fun for Chay though. In 2001, he dislocated his patella, which also tore ligaments and chipped bones. Even with treatment, Chay''s knee continually worsened, eventually dislocating at every swim meet he competed in.
Chay''s doctors said there was nothing they could do until the swimming season was over, meaning Chay would endure the remainder of the season with a dysfunctional patella until the spring of 2006.
Powers said that even though Chay was hurt, he was a valuable asset to the team.
'When Mark was injured, he was a major source of inspiration to the team,' Powers said.
Not only does Powers admire Chay''s determination and endurance, but appreciates how Chay bolsters and encourages his teammates.
'Chay is a great contributor to BYU swimming. He is well-liked and supportive of everybody,' Powers said. 'Mark is a great young man, bright and polite. He is somebody you''d love to have as a friend.'
Chay seems to love BYU as much as his team loves him. He appreciates the good, clean atmosphere found on campus and how kind the faculty and students are.
'I am very fortunate to be at BYU,' Chay said.