The Kitimat Marlins hosted a regional swim meet in early May and had some excellent results. The other regional clubs from Terrace, Prince Rupert and Smithers were in attendance bringing over 100 swimmers to the competition.
Kleanza Cathers (14) competing in the 13-14 girls division achieved her first 15 and under girls Western National qualifying time standard in the 100 meter freestyle. She is now eligible to compete at Canadian Western National Championships this coming February in Regina.
She also broke the pool record in the event which was held by Marlins alumni Sheena Bartel from 1991. Bartel at the time was ranked first in Canada in the 50 meter freestyle event. Cathers also broke the pool record in the 50 meter backstroke, 50 breaststroke and the 100 Individual Medley. Cathers time in the 100 IM was the seventh fastest time in Canada by 14 year old girls done this swim season. The pool record in the 100 IM before Kleanza broke it was set in 1984 and had lasted for 30 years. She swam 100 per cent personal best times in all seven of her events and tied friend and competitor Avery Movald from Prince Rupert for the gold medal in overall points in the 13-14 girls division.
Alivia Soares (13) also competing in the 13-14 girls division achieved her first Canadian Age Group National time in the 1500 meter freestyle. She reached it in the upcoming 14 year old girls division as she turns 14 this month.
If she qualifies for two more events before mid-July she will be eligible to compete at the Canadian age group National Championships end of July in Winnipeg. Her time was also the seventh fastest time for the event in a 25 meter pool in Canada for 13 year old girls this swim season. Soares broke two other pool records in the 13-14 girls 200 and 400 IM. The 200 IM record was also a 30 year old record that had stood since 1984. The 400 IM was the 32nd fastest time for 13 year old girls swam this season in Canada. The 400 IM record was held previously by Stephanie Nicholls from Prince Rupert from 2000. Soares took the silver medal for overall points in the age group.
Zachary Dumas (14) competing in the 13-14 boys division achieved his first ever Canadian age group national time standard in the 14 year old boys division. He achieved the standard in the 200 meter butterfly event. The time was the 29th fastest time swam in Canada for 14 year old boys for the event in a 25 meter pool this swim season. Dumas also broke a 37 year old record pool record in the 400 IM and just missed the pool record in the 1500 meter freestyle by a mere 3/10s of a second. Dumas collected the gold medal for overall points in the 13-14 boys age group.
Gabrielle Lamarre (12) achieved his first two AA Provincial times in the 12-13 year old boy 1500 free and 50 meter freestyle events. This allows him to compete at the AA Provincial championships June in Victoria. Lamarre also took the silver medal for the 11-12 boys division for overall points.
Laurence Boucher (13) also punched her ticket to AA champs by achieving her second AA Provincial time in the 800 meter for 12-13 year old girls.
Hayden Dobbin (14) achieved his first ever AA Provincial time in the 14-15 year old boys 1500 meter freestyle. His swim was also the biggest one swim improvement for the Marlins for the meet. The swim was a 90 second improvement from his previous best time. Dobbin also swam to 100 per cent personal best times.
Charlotte Collier (11) achieved her first AA Provincial time in the 11 and under girls 50 meter freestyle.
Other medalist for the Marlins were Adrianna Florit (9) silver for overall points in the 10 and under girls. Olivia Pearson (9) took the bronze for overall points in the 10 and under girls. Hannah Pearson (12) took the silver medal for overall points in the 11-12 girls and swam 100 per cent personal best times along the way. Leah Desousa (11) took the bronze medal for overall points in the 11-12 girls. Izaak Velho (12) took the bronze in the 11-12 boys division and swam to 100 per cent personal best times. Robyn Alderman (17) took the silver medal in the 15 and over girls division while Ben Anker (15) took the Bronze medal in the 15 and over boys.
Other swimmers who achieved 100 per cent personal best times in all of their races were Archie Bathe (7), Nickolas Cordeiro (15), Mattias Dobbin (11), Dallas Gray (6), Keiran Koza (9), Vanessa Lamarre (14), Ethan Manseau (8), Megan Owens (11), Faith Silva (7), Isaiah Silva (9), Jaeden Silvestre (11), Alex Van Horne (10), Ethan Velho (13).
- Submitted