Military Tough
Adva Aharonovich is very likely the only MIAC swimmer who is proficient in firing an M16 and using the rifle as a self-defense weapon.

She learned that in her native Israel serving two years in the Israeli Air Force as an athletic trainer, teaching self-defense techniques to civilians and soldiers destined for combat.

“I loved teaching and training soldiers,” says Aharonovich ’12. “I loved my days in military service. I think it is good for girls to serve their country and learn about giving and taking orders. It helped me grow as an individual.”

It seems she was destined to swim. Her name, Adva, is a Hebrew word meaning wavelet or ripple. “My parents must have known I’d be a swimmer,” she says.    

Aharonovich began swimming at age eight, and continued through high school and her military service. Her best event is the backstroke and she delights in improving her times at MIAC meets, which she says are as competitive as those in Israel. More