The Campbell River Killer Whales competed at the 10th annual Wavemaker Invitational in Victoria, which kicked off the long course racing season.
With more than 35 Killer Whales competing, ranging from a 7-year-old competing at her first long course meet, to a 17-year-old trying to reach their next standard, it was definitely a weekend full of fast racing and lots of excitement.
The first day began off with a big come from behind victory by the 12 and under girls in the 400 freestyle relay, which set the tone for the entire weekend.
Some of the other highlights from Day one included Gage Windle breaking the 10 and under 200 backstroke club record by three seconds and qualifying for the 11 and under AAA standard in the same event. A big accomplishment for a 9-year-old!
Kaya Lathangue, who swam in her first long course meet ever had a great 100 freestyle, showing no nerves and swimming like a seasoned veteran.
The 1500 freestyle added a lot of excitement with Jenna Beaudin, Melayna Beaudin, Caiyln Collis and Cianna Dunn swimming their first LC 1500 freestyle ever, with all swimming great and showing a lot of potential in the marathon of an event.
The second day brought even more big swims and new standards achieved with Kennedy Windle getting her first Age Group National Standard in the 100 Breastroke, and Lisa Eberlein qualifying for AA’s in the 50 Freestyle.
After the second day the Killer Whales were in a very tight battle with Ravensong swim club for second place in overall points.
Campbell River brought its best racing on the last day of the meet getting three more AAA qualifiers – Sydney Boyle in the 800 freestyle, Lilan Forsyth in the 100 backstroke and Julia Alguire in the 50 freestyle.
Maya Ruehlen had a fantastic swim in the 800 freestyle to get her first AA standard ever, followed by Carson Dunn in the 100 backstroke.
In the end, the Killer Whales had four new AAA qualifiers, two new AA qualifiers and one new Age Group National qualifier, and came in second in overall points behind only the host club.
The weekend was a fantastic way for the Killer Whales to start the long course season.
The Killer Whales compete again this weekend in Victoria, leading towards the Vancouver Island Regional Long Course Championships June 7-9, hosted by Island Swimming.
