Four years on swim team, two years a lifeguard, and if that wasn’t enough, he started his own swim team. Senior Jove Martin spends so much time in water he’s growing gills.

“I love being in the water, it feels freeing. I mean, you know you’re dedicated when the only way you fly in dreams is by doing the breaststroke or the dolphin kick,” Martin said.

Martin is one of Cleveland’s top swimmers. He has lettered in swimming every year, however, it hasn’t been easy. He’s battled asthma, a lung condition that causes difficulty breathing. Exercise triggers it, but it doesn’t hold him back.

“He shows a level of dedication, motivation and enthusiasm unmatched by others,” said his coach, Liane Brakke-Pound.

Most recently at the PIL District Meet, Martin, a captain, helped lead the men’s team to a third place overall finish. He took fourth in the 50-yard freestyle, ninth in the 500-yard freestyle, swam the freestyle leg for the 200-yard Medley Relay (second place), and anchored the 400-yard Freestyle Relay to a 4th place finish.

This year, Martin was counted on to add to his responsibilities as team captain, and he has performed wonderfully in that role.

“As a captain and the unofficial big brother of the team, Jove has an innate ability to both inspire and comfort his teammates,” said coach Brakke-Pound, who took over for coach Linda Jeo-Zerba this year.

You could almost say he is the team’s biggest fan, encouraging them to cheer and always displaying a high level of spirit. Jove has tried extra hard to be his best because of the coaching change this year, trying to make it easier for her. Jove, also one of the hardest workers on the team, often takes extra time before or after practice to improve his swimming ability.

As if swim team wasn’t enough, Jove has found time to coach his own swim team he started for children. The Blub Blub Club, as it is called, has been a lot of fun for Jove. They only have two practices a week because of Jove’s other responsibilities outside of the club. He still has been involved enough with it that he has been a mentor to some of its members outside of practices and invites them to his own swim meets for Cleveland.

Staying near the water Martin also works as a lifeguard for the MLC pool and the Buckman pool. For two years he has been in the life saving business.

“It’s scary, because all the time you have to make sure that no one is drowning and their lives are in your hands,” he said.

Not a bad way to make a living for a guy who enjoys his time in the water.

Martin expects to continue swimming after high school, but unfortunately only for fun. Because of the possible schools he is considering, neither Portland State nor Portland Community College has a swim team.

Martin’s love of the water is unquestioned. A swim team captain, a lifeguard, a coach, all with asthma, it’s simply good to see somebody who can do something they love and have such a positive effect on everyone around him. Jove Martin: Coming to a pool near you.