NEWS RELEASE
ELLIOT LAKE AQUATIC CLUB
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The Elliot Lake Aquatic Club sent 12 swimmers to the Topfish #2 meet over the weekend, hosted by the Valley East Waves in Hanmer.
This was the first meet for the club since the reopening of our local pool. For many of our swimmers, this was their first taste of competition.
Fears were quelled as the team proved they were ready, for many posting first results and for others proving they had the drive and determination to succeed.
The level of competition was perfect for our club as swimmers from six- to 12-years-old were together, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere for all to get accustomed to the competitive level.
Katie Purzner narrowly out touched fellow Aquatic Club teammate Tenley Blanchette in the 25-metre backstroke. Purzner kicked herself a first-place finish in the 25m kick event. Blanchette followed her with a narrow third-place finish.
Lily Chi swam to a third place finish for her efforts in the 25m backstroke and completed three other events at her first competition.
Another first-timer, Shkaabewis consistently swam and earned two second place results in his 25m back and 25m kick events.
Emmett Grant used his team unity and training to reach the wall first in both his 25m and 50m freestyle. He also finished second in his 25m and 50m backstrokes.
Myla Grant also topped off her meet with first place finishes in the 25m freestyle and 25m kick events.
Michael Mongrain swam consistently and earned top place finishes for his 50m free and 50m back, as well as his 25m breaststroke. Coaching and diversity across all the strokes paid off.
Elena Reinhardt showed grit at her first meet, earning a second place for both her 25m back and freestyle swims.
Brodie Williams also used the time in training to finish second for his efforts in the 25m free and 25m kick events.
Elly Whitney swam to personal bests and gained more confidence in the pool as her age limited her ability to finish with times but certainly got her excited for the next outing.
Colbie Williams swam home with a first in the 25m breaststroke as well as consistent first swim finishes including third for his 50m freestyle.
Charlee Young also used the pool to gain confidence and team spirit, finishing second and third in the 25m back and 25m free events.
As our local swim team continues to regrow its program, the coaching and support certainly proves that we are ready to compete across the region.
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