Mark Warkentin

Mark Warkentin competed in open water swimming at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He was twice a US Champion at 25 km open water. Warkentin went to Southern Cal, graduating in 2003 with a degree in communications. He earned four All-American honors at USC. At the 1999 Universiade, Warkentin won four gold medals, in the 200, 400, and 800 freestyles, and the 4x100 free relay. He added a silver medal in the 4x2 relay at the 2001 Universiade. In open water swimming, he competed at the 2007 World Championships, placing seventh over 10K, and won a silver medal at the 2008 Open Water Championships in the 25 km.

After retiring from international competition, Warkentin settled in Santa Barbara, where he grew up. He coached the Santa Barbara Swim Club for several years, but then joined his father’s real estate business, along with his sister and younger brother. His father, John Warkentin, was a decathlete who competed at the US Olympic Trials in the decathlon in 1968, 1972, and 1976.