ST. CLOUD – Before Micah Davis started kindergarten, he already was swimming competitively at the local YMCA.

His passion was sparked — as many are at that age — by Davis' desire to keep up with his siblings.

“I wanted to be just like my older brothers, and I’ve always been really competitive,” he said. “And then it just kind of evolved as I kept swimming and continued chasing them.”

Soon Davis not only caught up to his brothers but started competing across the state and country. And now, after winning state titles in the 100-yard butterfly and 200 freestyle as a freshman and sophomore, the 17-year-old from Clearwater is regarded as the best swimmer in the state — and one of the best in the nation.

He’s aiming for a three-peat in those races this year at state, which runs March 6-8 at the University of Minnesota. But he wants more than the title: After setting the state record for the 100 butterfly last year, he hopes to break the 200 freestyle record of 1 minute, 35.39 seconds set by Chanhassen swimmer Jack Dahlgren in 2018, as well.

For more on Davis, click here to read this story on startribune.com.