The Whitehorse Glacier Bears swimming club made waves at the Northern and Interior B.C. Winter Divisional Championships, held Feb. 21-23 in Penticton, B.C., by securing six medals.
The Whitehorse club sent its largest contingent of Yukoners to compete in the event, with 18 local swimmers qualifying for the regional competition, as noted by the club’s executive director and head coach, Bronwyn Pasloski.
Yukoners who qualified for the regional Northern and Interior B.C. Winter Divisional Championships took home one gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
“The Northern and Interior Divisional Championships was an excellent meet for our team and with 18 athletes competing, it was the largest group Whitehorse has sent to this event,” Pasloski said.
Alexandra Grandy, 12, competed in three races and won gold in the 200-metre breaststroke. Grandy secured fourth in the 50-metre backstroke and placed fifth in the 100-metre backstroke.
Zoe Belz, 15, swam in seven races and secured silver in the 400-metre individual medley. Additionally, Belz earned bronze in the 50-metre fly race.
Amelia Rainey, 14, was registered for six races and took home silver in the 100-metre backstroke. Elliot Gishler, 14, swam in four races and secured silver in the 400-metre freestyle race and managed to secure fourth in the 200-metre and 800-metre freestyle events.
Blake Steele, 12, raced in four events and won a bronze medal in the 200-metre backstroke.
“Their performances were a testament to the hard work and dedication they’ve put into training. While I wasn’t surprised by their results, it was incredibly exciting to watch each race unfold and celebrate their achievements,” Pasloski said.
Pierre Marchand, a parent and chaperone at the regional competition, commented on the Whitehorse Glacier Bears’ success by highlighting how successful the club was for a small town.
“For such a small town, we’ve got some really talented swimmers. We’re definitely competitive,” Marchand said.
Many Glacier Bears swimmers are set to compete in the Winter and Summer B.C. Provincial Championships, Summer Divisionals and the Canada Summer Games next year, the club said.
The Whitehorse Glacier Bears are also set to host the Yukon Champs Invitational Swim Meet from May 2-4, welcoming teams like the Cascade Swim Club from Calgary, N.W.T. Polar Bears and the Haines Alaska Dolphins. Up to 300 athletes are expected to compete in Whitehorse in May.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
