Athlete Spotlight: Bohdan Shevchenko

DICKINSON – Bohdan Shevchenko seems right at home in the swimming pool.
His surroundings outside the pool these days are not quite as familiar for the Dickinson junior. But that will change in time.
Shevchenko grew up in Ukraine, and when war broke there in 2022, it was clear the family’s future well-being would require a new home.
“We left (Ukraine) because of the war and came to the USA by using the United for Ukraine program,’’ Bohdan said. “In April 2023 we came to Chadron, Nebraska. We spent a year there and then our father came and was offer a good job at Tooz Construction in Dickinson. And then we moved (last spring).”
Life in the Queen City has certainly been an adjustment for him and his family, who resided in the small town of Samar in the center of Ukraine. They needed to get used to the town...it’s businesses, attractions, services and schools. There was meeting new people as well as seeing the pace and lifestyle of North Dakotans. And then there is the food.
“Ukrainian cuisine is very different from American food, especially with how much fast food there is here,’’ Bohdan said. “It took some time to find foods that felt familiar, but I’ve enjoyed trying new things.”
He enrolled in Dickinson High School this fall and said teachers and fellow students helped him adjust quickly. “I’ve made friends pretty quickly,’’ he said. “The community is small, but friendly, and I appreciate how open it is to new students.”
Bohdan has two younger siblings, a brother and sister, and says having the family together has made life in a new place easier to settle in.
Having the pool to go to helps as well.
Bohdan has fit right into the program and has found immediate success. He is ranked in the top 10 in the state in several events, including the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke.
“Being part of the Dickinson swim team has been a great experience and my teammates have been very supportive,’’ he said. “And the competitive environment helps push me to improve. It’s nice to be part of a team that works hard and encourages each other.”
Dickinson coach Samie Bohl could tell right away that his past training provided a great foundation.
“When I saw him first practice, I noticed his strength in the water.’’ Bohl said. “He was able to quickly pick up different techniques and do them correctly without having to be reminded. He is very competitive in both practice and in meets.”
Bohdan began swimming at age six and eventually started training to swim competitively for a club organization a few years later. He enjoys the challenge it brings both physically and mentally. 
“A successful swimmer needs a combination of strength, technique, mental toughness, and consistency in training,’’ Shevchenko said. “ I want to say that your mental health plays a really huge part in your success. There are days when you feel exhausted, but you still have to get in the water and give 100 percent...Staying confident, handling pressure during races, and maintaining a competitive mindset are what separate good swimmers from great ones.”
Bohdan shared some of his practice plans from his time in Ukraine to Bohl, who has been able to mix that into the Midgets’ swim training. Coming from club swimming in Ukraine to a high school season in the U.S is quite different.
In Ukraine, much more time is spent on training with few meets to participate in. Often only one a month. Here, there are meets each week and sometimes duals mixed in as well. Also, practices and meets in Ukraine were swum using (LCM) long course meters opposed to the high school distance of short course yards.
Bohdan likes the change and the chance to compete on a regular basis and seeing how the hard work in practice is paying off in terms of better times and higher places come meet day.
“I like the feeling of pushing myself in training and seeing the results in competition,’’ he said. “I also like how the boys turn into competitive rivals in the pool, but right after the race, everybody is kind and respectful to each other.”
When he’s not swimming, his interests include playing video games and fishing. In time, he likely will spread his wings more and become involved in other activities.
The addition of Shevchenko, has brought a different energy to the team this season, Bohl says.
The team has really embraced him and his presence and competitive nature has rubbed off on other members in the program. “He is pushing younger swimmers to try and swim faster in practice and making the other boys even more competitive,’’ she said. “It’s great to see how the team has banded together to include him.”
Shevchenko has another year of high school swimming, but he already is looking toward college. And hopefully an opportunity to swim in college. “Yes, my goal is to swim at the college level. I’m training hard to improve my times and get noticed by college recruiters,’’ Bohdan said. “Swimming has been a big part of my life, and I want to continue competing while getting a good education.”