Over 1,600 young swimmers from 189 clubs across Canada competed at the pools in Jean Drapeau Park on Sainte-Helene Island in Montreal from July 27 to August 1 for the Swimming Canada Age Group Championships.
Devon Chernow, Austin Knibb, Parker Knibb and Alan Lister represented the Drumheller Aquadinnies Swim Club at the National Championships, the first time since Jennifer Woods competed in 1999.
The boys performed well in a field of stiff competition, as all the swimmers were such high caliber athletes.
Each swimmer competed in five races and two relays. Devon was able to improve on his 100M Freestyle time with a swim of 1:00.37, cutting almost 0.5 seconds from his seed time; Austin improved on his 50M Back, swimming 31.19 seconds (improved 0 .44); Alan improved on his 100M Freestyle, swimming 1:00.19 (improved 0.34 seconds), as well as his 50M Freestyle (improved 0.06 seconds). Parker provided the best showing among the boys in his 50M Butterfly by placing as the first alternate for Finals in that race.
Lynne Driessen, coach for the Aquadinnies swimmers, says, “I was very pleased with the boys’ first performance at the Canadian Age Group Nationals Championship meet, where they competed against the top swimmers in their age groups in the country. Just earning qualifying times for this meet is a major accomplishment! The group had some personal best times, and were right on their fastest indoor times. This was no easy feat, as they are used to competing indoors, not having to deal with 30 plus degree weather and humidity, and an outdoor pool. This was an excellent experience for them to compete at a national level. It lets us know what we have to train for next time.”
Also in attendance at the meet were former Drumheller residents the Lovsins, Deanna and Doug, who were also in Montreal to cheer their daughter, Victoria, as she competed in the championships.
Of note, former Drumhellerite Andrew Poznikoff competed in the Summer National Championships, which took place in Pointe Claire the previous week, from July 21 to 24. We should be proud of him.