Despite the Aquaplex pool closure causing training difficulties, the Canadian Badlands Aquatic Club put in a sterling performance at the University of Calgary Swim Club’s Grand Prix last weekend,
About seven different swim teams attend the January 17 to 19 event, which can have more than 40 kids competing in a category, says Head Coach Sheila Martin.
18-year-old Austin Knibb won Gold in the 50m Butterfly, Silver in the 50m Backstroke, and Bronze in the 50m Freestyle and 100m Butterfly.
Parker Knibb, 16, won Silver in the 50m Butterfly and 100m Freestyle, and Bronze in the 50m and 100m Backstroke.
Emily Martin, 10, won 5th in the 50m Butterfly, 6th in the 200m Individual Medley, 8th in the 400m Freestyle, and 8th in the 200m Backstroke.
Other participants swimming their best for the Grand Prix include Teagan Adamcewicz, Gillian Carey, Arielle Dobell, Annika Lassen, Keely Martin and Jazmin Russell.
In addition, two of the clubs swimmers have qualified for the Short Course B Provincials (February 21 - 23) says Martin - Annika Lassen, 11, and Keely Martin, 13. Martin said the club’s swim season goes to June, but those qualifying for the Provincials go to early July.
Martin says it was difficult to practice without a pool in town.
“The club had to travel to Three Hills to swim, and with the weather, we had to cancel a lot of those trips.”
The coach said the club’s beginner and junior swimmers were able to use the pool at the Ramada during the Aquaplex closure.
During that time, the club also did dry-land training Mondays at the Badlands Community Facility, run by coaches and a parent volunteer.
Martin says the elite swimmers train six days a week - half the time in Drumheller, and half the time in Airdrie.
The swimmers get a higher level of coaching in Airdrie, and it’s always good for them to swim with competitive swimmers who are at the same level, she explains.
Up next for the club, says Martin - January 31 to February 2 is Alberta Senior Open Short Course in Calgary; a meet in Red Deer February 8 and 9 for Intermediate and Seniors, with six swimmers from Drumheller going, and the Juniors attend a Crazy Hat Meet in Calgary on February 8.
