Elliot Lake Aquatic Club (ELAC) member Tania Beaulieu posted results from a weekend competition in Sault Ste. Marie. The following is her report.
ELAC proved their drive and determination to compete has remained strong after two years of restrictions. The coaching and support swimmers receive allowed them to harness the John Rhodes pool in Sault Ste. Marie and swim to many personal bests and new achievements over the weekend.
Kendra Beaulieu swam her first 400-meter freestyle in a commanding 5:42.02. Following that swim, she continued to shave seconds off each of her previous personal bests including a 17-second improvement in her 100m freestyle and 11 seconds off her 50m breaststroke. Overall a great start to her competitive goals this year.
Ryley Bower always showed pride in her effort, achieving a 200m freestyle in 3:11.22, an improvement of over 40 seconds. Her smile was evident despite the masking mandate when her 100m breaststroke was improved by 8 seconds. Team spirit was witnessed after each swim as the team harnessed each other’s improvements.
Cady Campbell also improved in each of her events. She swam her 100m breaststroke in under two minutes thanks to a 28 sec. improvement in her personal best. In the 100m freestyle she improved by 14 seconds to finish in 1:26.23.
Oceane Christy harnessed the pool and the team’s drive as she saw improvements across all her events, particularly with greater than 25 seconds shaved from her personal best in her 100m back, breast and individual medley swims.
Madelyn Meawasige competed with drive and stamina for each of her events, allowing growth and skill completing her 50m freestyle in 39.48.
Philip Olivier honed his skills with solid finishes in all his events, particularly with a 36.26-second improvement in the 100m Individual medley.
Charlotte Parsons allowed the waves to flow as she went clear of two minutes in the 100m freestyle event. Finishing in 1:47.54, a full 46-second improvement.
Payton Stirling dove back into the pool after two years showing she still has the skills to compete. A true competitor to be reckoned with.
Cassie Vienneau showed its best to swim free and allow the drive to determine the finish. Her 50m and 100m freestyle events allowed for new personal bests of 46.17 and 1:40.65 respectively.
Ally Weller followed the team’s strong finishes, allowing her personal bests to be surpassed. Improving consistently in all her events, particularly a 17-second improvement in her 100m freestyle.
Brendan Workman was often seen strategizing and eyeing up the competition, of which some were fellow ELAC’ers. His speed allowed for a smashing 50m freestyle in 28.00. He followed that up by finishing his 50m breaststroke in 39.65 and his 50m backstroke in 33.99.
Declan Workman ruled the pool with consistency and stamina. Improving on all his personal bests, narrowly missing a swimmer’s achievement of swimming the 100m freestyle event in under a minute. Reaching the wall in 1:01.13. This will be his year, we are sure.
Andie Young showed up and had goals to be not unmet as she crushed her freestyle and individual medley events. Over 20-second improvements in both at 1:22.18 100m freestyle, and a 1:38.83 in IM.
Ethan Young also had goals and plans which he proved to make, swimming his 50m freestyle at 29.57. It was a great swim by him. that result, why not swim a 200m freestyle in 2:18.68.
Overall, the restrictions in which this club has been made to endure with cancellations and closures over the past two years, the swimmers showed no quit and only drive to succeed over the entire weekend. High fives across the blocks and applause loud enough to drown out the waves, the club has maintained its name to be looked for in the swimming family.
The coaches and parents continue to prove our swimmers deserve the ability to showcase their skills. With COVID restrictions easing the swimmer’s competition with masks on.