The Elk Valley Dolphins Swim Club rounded up an extremely successful winter season with their annual local swim meet from April 20-22.
Nine teams from B.C., Alberta and the United States, and consisting of more than 300 swimmers took part.
Out of the 317 athletes that attended, 54 were local. Dolphins head coach Aidan Chudleigh was impressed with participation at the tournament this year, the highest number of locals they have ever had attend. Last year, only 37 Dolphins competed.
This year, the Dolphins were able to expand their programming to include a wider age-group. Their youngest student was seven-years-old, and their eldest was 66.
This was thanks to more lanes provided by the Fernie Aquatic Centre, as well as more pool availability in the summer months thanks to a change in the annual pool maintenance. Instead of starting this week as it normally would, council moved the six-week closure to August and September.
Chudleigh is excited that the swimmers will be able to continue to train in preparation for what should be some exciting tournaments later in the summer.
During the winter season, Dolphins athletes received three gold, one silver and three bronze medals at the provincial championships in February. It was also the first time the Dolphins have had enough athletes to compete in a relay tournament, and they finished in the top 10.
Chudleigh was also proud to say they had their first nationally-qualifying athlete, Olivia Howse, who will be competing in the 1500-metre freestyle in July.
The club is looking forward to the B.C. Summer Games on July 19, which four to five swimmers will attend.
