The Nanaimo White Rapids were faster than ever, and that’s saying something.
The local club finished second overall last month at the B.C. Summer Swimming Association championships in Victoria.
The White Rapids had placed third a handful of times in the past, but bettered that thanks in part to “amazing” coaches, said Leah Johnson, club president.
“They’re committed and talented and enthusiastic and so positive with the kids, no matter what the outcome of their race,” she said.
The Rapids weren’t just representing Nanaimo at provincials, but Vancouver Island, too, and it added to the team spirit at the event.
“There was so much cheering and enthusiasm any time one of our swimmers medalled,” Johnson said. “The parents were going crazy in the stands.”
Finishing the year this way bodes well moving forward, said the club president. She said some swimmers were already talking about winter training.
“The future is bright,” Johnson said. “Not only this success [at provincials] – our numbers are up from a few years ago and we look forward to continued success with attracting good coaches. And the kids are really excited to come back.”
Top-three results from provincials include:
Div. 1 - Danielle Barberie, third, 50m breaststroke.Div. 2 - Cadence Jones, third, 50m breast; Peter Morch, first, 50m butterfly, first 100m freestyle, second, 100m individual medley, second, 50m free, first, 200m medley relay, first, 200m free relay; Carter James, first, 200m medley relay, first, 200m free relay; Dylan Barberie, first, 200m medley relay, first, 200m free relay; John Kirkhope, first, 200m medley relay, first, 200m free relay.Div. 3 - Stephen Stewart, second, 50m back.Div. 4 - Tayden De Pol, third, 100m back.Div. 6 - Sarah Kirkhope, first, 50m fly, second, 100m fly.Div. 7 - Riley Prout-Holm, first, 100m back, first, 100m free, second, 200m IM, third, 200m free relay; Steven Moore, third, 200m free relay; Zack Todd, third, 200m free relay; Josh Todd, third, 200m free relay.Div. 8 - Ryan Howe, first, 100m back, second, 200m IM, second, 50m fly, third, 100m free, first, 200m medley relay, second, 200m free relay; Gareth Saunders, second, 50m free, third, 100m breast; first, 200m medley relay, second, 200m free relay; Ian Mattock, first, 200m medley relay, second, 200m free relay; Baylee Munro, first, 200m medley relay, second, 200m free relay.Div. O, Cat. 1 - Devinn Moore, second, 50m free, second, 50m fly, second, 100m free, third, 200m medley relay; Nyah De Pol, third, 200m medley relay; Ella Hudon, third, 200m medley relay; Isabella Richards, third, 200m medley relay; Oliver Orton, second, 50m breast, third, 100m IM, third, 200m medley relay; third, 200m free relay; Nick Sertic, third, 200m medley relay, third, 200m free relay; Ry Della Rosa, third, 200m medley relay, third, 200m free relay; Blake Nowicki, third, 200m medley relay; Bryan Moore, third, 200m free relay.Div. O, Cat. 2 - Haley Bennett, first, 50m free, first, 100m breast, second, 100m back, second, 100m free, first, 200m medley relay, second, 200m free relay; Hana Edwards, second, 100m breast, third, 100m back, first, 200m medley relay, second, 200m free relay; Hannah Lorette, first, 100m back, second, 200m medley relay; Sophie Lorette, third, 100m fly, second, 200m medley relay; Sarah Kirkhope, first, 200m medley relay; Jessica King, first, 200m medley relay, second, 200m free relay; Delaney O’Toole, second, 200m medley relay; Ava Johnson, second, 200m medley relay; Moira McGorman, second, 200m free relay.
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— Greg Sakaki (@BulletinSports) August 19, 2015