Kootenay Swim Club members proved they were contenders at the Kelowna long course swim meet last weekend. As of April, the club has focused on training for competing in 50m pools. The short course season ended in mid-March and now the swimmers are focusing on the long course season.
“I was very impressed with the team’s strong performance and team unity during the meet, “ stated Head Coach Dustin Boyachek. Relay team, Jordan Andrusak, Kelsey Andrusak, Tenysha Van Mierlo and Gabrielle Hanvold blew the competition out of the water winning gold in both the 200m medley and the 400m freestyle relays. The relay success was only one of the many great accomplishments for the swimmers during the meet.
Jordan Andrusak made waves with best times and placed first in 100m breaststroke, 100m fly and 200m fly. She also had second place finishes in 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 400 freestyle, 200m IM and 400m IM. Jordan’s hard work did not go unrecognized and she brought home the second place aggregate for the 11-12 year old division. She will attend Age Group Nationals at the end of July in Calgary and will swim against Canada’s best.
Niallan Collier is also in good shape heading into Age Group Nationals. He placed first in 50m backstroke, second in 100m backstroke and third in 100m breaststroke and 200m IM. Niallan brought home the third place aggregate for the 15 and over category and will begin his tapper soon before going to Age Group Nationals.
Cyan Van Mierlo had an unbelievable meet and all her hard work has paid off. She achieved second place and a AA time in 50m freestyle, third in 50m and 100m backstroke, and two fourth place finishes in 100m breaststroke and 200m freestyle. Cyan’s sister, Tenysha Van Mierlo, is on the verge of making AAA times in five events and placed second in 100m backstroke and third place in 100m breaststroke. Tenysha has been working very hard and coach Dustin Boyachek believes at the Kamloop’s meet this weekend Tenysha will achieve those AAA times.
Gabrielle Hanvold's team spirit did not go unrecognized as well as her performance in the water. Gabrielle placed second in 50m, 100m and 200m fly while contributing to both gold medal wins in the relay. She got best times in eight of her events.
Sydney Wetter and Hannah Devries also never disappoint. Their hard work and perseverance have opened the gateway to achieving their personal goals. Sydney got best time in seven out of nine of her events and shaved 18 seconds off her 200m backstroke. While Hannah received five best times during the swim meet. Reaching the goals you have set out for yourself during the season is a great achievement and every swimmer who has reached their goal should be very proud.