Participating in three major swimming competitions in less than a month, didn’t leave Brianna Bailey much time to rest this summer.
The 18-year-old Sylvan Lake native travelled to Quebec in July, where she took part in senior nationals, age group nationals and Canada Summer Games.
She was pleased with her performances in each of the competitions. Although she didn’t win any medals, she moved up in most of her placings and achieved several personal best times.
“It was a lot of fun and it was a really good experience,” she said. “It was really great competing because all of the teams want their province to win, so it’s all team oriented and there’s more cheering and excitement.”
Bailey said the events had many more people watching them than at the club swimming level.
Training leading up to the meets helped her deal with the added pressure, she said.
“Three meets is a lot to do,” she said. “That’s all you do out there is swim and compete, and it’s all you focus on.”
Bailey managed to take “one or two days off” in between meets to rest, but also used the downtime to carry out additional training.
Her performance at senior nationals was the one she was most happy with. After finishing in eighth place, her scholarship at Simon Fraser University, where she pursues studies in business and science, will be increased.
A top-12 place finish was required for the increase, meaning she achieved the feat several positions higher than necessary.
“I was really excited about that,” she said.
When she’s at home, Bailey swims with Red Deer Catalina Swim Club. She is now in her second year at Simon Fraser University, and is a member of the university’s swim team.
A swimmer for more than 10 years, she’s setting her sights on achieving success with Simon Fraser, and hopes to qualify for a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) meet.