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2017 – Eight Canadian And Three US Records Set At BC Masters Swimming Championships

2017 – Eight Canadian and three US records set at BC Masters Swimming Championships

Photo: OMSC team members Jack Kosmerly and Canadian record holder Betty Brussel AG 90-94 at the 2017 MSABC Swimming Championships in Kelowna.

Thirty five clubs representing 190 swimmers from across British Columbia, Canada and the USA participated in a successful BC Masters Swimming Provincial Championships this weekend at Kelowna’s H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre.

Hosted by Okanagan Masters Swim Club (OMSC), the three-day event saw eight Canadian Masters and three US Masters records fall, as well as several BC records. The Okanagan was well represented, with KISU’s Okanagan Falls resident Glenn Carlsen AG 60-64 securing two Canadian records in the 800 and 1500 meter freestyle and a BC record in the 400 meter freestyle. Carlsen said, “It’s always fun to race in Kelowna, because the people are always so friendly and welcoming. Masters swimming is like getting together with family who all love to race.”

OMSC’s Betty Brussel AG 90-94 and Conny Stamhuis AG 85-89 showed true grit by setting new Canadian records in the 800 meter freestyle and 200 meter backstroke respectively. Not to be outdone by the ladies, Christopher Smith AG 85-89 of Trillium Masters Swim Club, Toronto set new Canadian records for the 50 meter freestyle and the 100 meter butterfly.

Edmonton’s Barry Lewis  AG 55 – 59 secured the seventh individual Canadian record at the meet, for the 100 meter freestyle.    Lewis was also part of the Edmonton Masters Swim Club relay team that set a new Canadian record for the combined age group 200-239 in the 200 meter medley relay, together with Barry Saretsky, Gail McGinnis and Deborah Younger.

World class swimmer Karlyn Pipes AG 55-59 of Palm Beach Masters broke three US Masters records in the 50 meter breaststroke, 200 meter freestyle and the grueling 400 meter individual medley, narrowly missing world records in each of these events. Pipes currently holds six FINA Masters world records in this age group.

Four BC records were broken by Victoria’s Avila Rhodes AG 60-64 in the 50,100 and 200 meter freestyle and the 100 meter breaststroke. New BC records were set by OMSC’s Carmelle Guidi-Swan AG 45-49 in the 200 meter butterfly, Georgina Lopez AG 70-74 in the 50 meter freestyle and Vlad Shirokov AG 25-29 in the 50 meter breaststroke.

But masters swimming is about much more than setting records. It provides fun, friendship and fitness and allows individuals to challenge themselves in a safe environment. Many swimmers participated in their first competitive meet, and several seasoned swimmers also achieved personal best times over the weekend.

OMSC won the Masters Swimming Association of British Columbia (MSABC) trophy as the team points leader, followed by English Bay Swim Club, Vancouver and Vernon Masters.

The volunteer committee chaired by OMSC’s Norma Lachance put in several hundred hours to make the 2017 Provincials an enjoyable and memorable experience for swimmers, guests and officials.

Issued by:

Jeanette Hoft on behalf of Okanagan Masters Swim Club

jeanette@redthirteen.ca

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