The Comox Valley Aquatic Club Sharks have competed at three meets over the past month: the Spring Sprint in Nanaimo, The Cascade International in Calgary, and the Vancouver Island Regional Championships in Victoria.
The results don't tell the whole story. The swimmers swam their best under hard conditions. "I didn't rest the senior swimmers for these competitions - this way I am hoping that the build up of work will allow for a more pronounced taper effect at the end of the season at Age Group Nationals," explained coach Albert Burgund.
At the Spring Sprint the Sharks attended with 16 swimmers. Josh Dolman led the group with 2 gold and a bronze followed closely by Juliana Bartemucci with 1Gold, 1Silver, and 1 Bronze. Other medallists included: Drew Kuhnert 1G, 1B, Kyle Brush 1B, Natasha D'Aoust 1B, and Emma Neufeld 1B.
The following weekend was in Calgary where a dedicated group flew in for some heads-up competition against many of the same rivals they will face this summer at Age Group Nationals from all over Canada, as well as a team from Germany, was competing.
"This meet allowed the swimmers to experience racing at the Tallisman Centre - the same facility where Age Group Nationals will be held. The swimmers were hit by a trio of issues: jet lag, altitude (which affects performance), and heavy training. They proved to be up to the task despite some setbacks," commented Burgund. "It feels like I'm swimming in Jello – my arms and legs feel really heavy," said Ben Neufeld who did not enjoy the effects of racing at altitude (Calgary lies about 1,000m above sea level).
Ben managed some great performances netting 1S and 2B. Juliana picked up a bronze and Brooke, swimming injured, managed a pair of silver medals. Gabrielle swam hard to take home a silver and Emma worked at improving her long course entry times. Jordyn Ryan swam up a storm as she hauled in 4S medals.
The last meet the Sharks attended was the Vancouver Island Regional Championships. Due to other commitments and injuries the Sharks fielded a smaller than anticipated squad of 12 swimmers. "Every season when the 'summer' arrives children tend to be more active in outdoor activities – they are anxious to engage in track and field, skateboarding, mountain biking – all of which can be loads of fun but have sidelined a number of swimmers with injuries. Add to that the athletes that change to their summer sports such as soccer or baseball - we were not able to field full roster," said
Burgund.
Congratulations to Josh Dolman who qualified for the Swim BC AAA Championships and took home a pair of bronze medals. Ben Neufeld and Ethan Ashley added to the tally with 2S and 2B for Ben and a solo silver for Ethan. On the women's side Gabrielle Wolfe took home a silver and a bronze.
"Thank you to all Sharks supporters. We will be attending Provincial and National championship and will be bringing all the details to all the readers at that time," Burgund said.
– Comox Valley Aquatic Club Sharks