The weekend of Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 saw swim clubs from across the northeast region convene upon Sault Ste. Marie. Elliot Lake Aquatic Club (ELAC) was represented by 11 swimmers who saw them compete at a higher level of competition.
Ethan Young and Ava Young earned top point honours in each of their respective divisions.
The club earned a second place finish for the combined points earned over the weekend in the small team division. Many personal bests were achieved proving the heightened level of competition didn’t impact the swimmers’ drive and determination. Avery Stirling consistently finished in the top 10. The relay team of Avery Stirling, Ava Young, Emma Young and Leiya Fortin finished second in the 200m medley relay.
Evi Tiessen swam hard and earned personal bests in each of her events. Alyssa Hebert reached new levels and accomplishments in each of her swims, earning provincial qualifying times. Emma Young earned gold medals in her 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, 50m fly as well as a gold in the 200 meter freestyle relay along side Ava young, Avery Stirling, and Leiya Fortin.
Declan Workman harnessed the ELAC energy as the club’s newest swimmer, new to the competition and swam consistently, earning top 10 honours in each of his events, including 50m and 100m breaststroke, and 100m freestyle. Tie Ryan and Kyle Beaulieu also represented ELAC with strong finishes, as personal bests were obtained over the weekend.
“The calibre of the short course championships included regional records being broken and competitors were often heard discussing achievements, including reaching provincial standards and qualifiers. The ELAC team can hold their swim caps high as they were true competitors and teammates to be reckoned with. Our local swim club continues to grow and produce high calibre results,” said coach Shawn Beaulieu.