Fifteen Princeton Kokanee swimmers attended the recent Kelowna Ogopogo swim meet and placed 9th overall out of 17 teams. The performance was impressive as 303 swimmers faced off including many elite competitors from Vancouver clubs. The Kokanee swimmers clocked 30 personal best times during 50 races. The club managed to slash a combined 3 minutes 51 seconds from best times earned only two weeks previous at the Merritt Otter swim meet. Despite 12-hour days the swimmers excelled showing coach Lindsay van Genne that her endurance training and gruelling practice sets are reaping rewards.
Four Princeton swimmers proved that “hard work equals results” achieving personal best times in every event they swam: Maddy Fulton, Gillian van Genne, Norman Anderson, and Owen Bartlett.
Division 6 boys Medley Relay placed 2nd overall with Owen Bartlett, Nick Cimbaro, Norm Anderson, and Aidan Neilson.
Girls division 2 relay team placed 4th with Abbegael Fulton, Gillian van Genne, Addison van Genne, and Kiaira Anderson.
Many Kokanees had impressive individual performances:
Maddison Fulton dropped 25 seconds in her 100 metre free from preliminary heats to finals.
Owen Bartlett took on the meets stiff competition with flare. Owen did well in a tough division despite the fact it is his first year of competitive racing.
Kiaira Anderson made finals in her 50 free with a new best time of 51.98 seconds.
Norm Anderson placed 3rd in 50 fly with a time of 42.00 a new best time. He also placed 6th in 50 back, 5th in 50 free, and 8th in 100 free with a time of 1:25.78.
Aidan Neilson placed 8th in 50 breast with a time of 51.43 seconds and 100 IM with a time of 1:36.94. IM or “individual medley” includes all 4 strokes: fly, back, breast, and free. In divisions 1-3 swimmers must swim 25 metres of each stroke. In division 4 the IM distance doubles to 50 metres of each stroke.
Ainsley Neilson held her own in the 200 IM, showing true metal and attacking each stroke with great energy.
All the Princeton competitors swam impressively and were great ambassadors for their club and town. Congratulations Kokanees!