The Columbia Shuswap Selkirks swim club have been making their mark in provincial and national competition.
Following impressive performances in the AAA provincial championships in Kamloops, five Selkirks swimmers have moved on to the National Age group Championships in Toronto.
Hunter Stewardson, Chantel Jeffrey, Molly Fogarty, James Lebuke and Ethan Skofteby all qualified for nationals.
Qualifying five swimmers for nationals is a great step forward for the Selkirks who have never sent more than three in the past.
The national competition begins on Wednesday, July 26 and concludes with open-water races on Monday, July 31.
At the AAA provincials held in Kamloops in early July, the Selkirks placed 20th of 42 clubs – the highest the Selkirks have ever placed. They placed third among teams with less than 10 swimmers competing.
Fifteen-year-old Lebuke was the top CSSSC swimmer at provincials, winning silver medals in the 50-metre freestyle and 100-metre freestyle, as well as the 200-metre individual medley. He also placed fourth in the 200-metre breaststroke.
Skofteby had a strong showing at the meet, breaking several club records. He broke the club record for the 1500-metre freestyle by dropping 16 seconds off his time. He also broke the club age group record for the 200-metre freestyle.
Skofteby placed fourth in the 400-metre freestyle with a 4.22.10
“Maggie Manning was really on form, winning golds in the 400 free with a new club record,” said Selkirks head coach Barry Healey.
Manning, who is a para-swimmer, also won gold in the 50-metre freestyle, bronze in the 200-metre individual medley and bronze in the 100 butterfly.
One highlight of the meet for Fogarty was making a new national qualifying time in the 200-metre butterfly.
She also made finals in the 200-metre freestyle, 200-metre IM, 400-metre freestyle, 800-metre freestyle.
Sixteen-year-old Chantel Jeffery broke club records in the 200-metre freestyle and 200-metre butterfly. She brought home silver medals in the 800-metre freestyle and 400-metre IM.
Along with strong individual performances, the 15-and-over boys relay team of Lebuke, Skofteby, Torrey McKee and Matt Nesdoly broke the club record in the 4 x 50 free.
“It’s the first time the men’s team has ever broken 1.42.00 and this record could stand for a long time. The team placed sixth with this very fast time,” Healey said.
