While the Olympics were going on in London in July, local young athletes were striving for excellence in the Alberta Summer Games.
Four swimmers from Sylvan were chosen to represent Zone 4 in Lethbridge. “Bring it” was the theme for the 2012 Summer Games and these four swimmers were definitely up to the challenge. They brought all they had to the pool and did a great job at representing this community and zone.
Sylvan Lake Nautical Amber Carson (13) swam in six individual events and three relays. She took the gold medal for 200m butterfly getting a 14 year old ‘A’ time. Amber swam the 100m fly placing fifth, the 50m fly placing seventh and earning a 13 year old ‘A’ time. She also swam the 100m, 200m, 800m freestyle pushing herself to the max each and every length, and achieving five out of six best times and one club record. Amber was also a key member of three relays which placed fourth, fifth and seventh.
Elizabeth Moore (11), also from the Nauticals, swam six individual events and two relays. She was a gold medalist in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke obtaining a 13 year old ‘A’ time in her 100m breaststroke swim.
Elizabeth took the silver medal for the 400m Individual medley and a bronze for the 1500m freestyle. In her last two races, the 50m breaststroke and the 200m butterfly she came in fourth giving it all her best effort, getting a 12 year old ‘A’ time in the breaststroke. Elizabeth achieved six personal best times and broke six club records throughout the weekend. Her two relay teams took both silver and a bronze and silver medal.
Also from Sylvan Lake, but swimming with the Red Deer Catalina Swim Club, were Matthew Gauthier (13) and Tyler Gauthier (13). Matthew swam six individual events and one relay. He swam the 50m, 100m, 400m freestyle, 100m butterfly placing eighth and 200m butterfly placing sixth and the 400m individual medley. Matthew achieved two best times and was a key player in his relay.
Tyler Gauthier (13) swam the 800m freestyle placing tenth, the 50m and 100m breaststroke and 200m breaststroke placing ninth, the 200m butterfly coming in seventh and the 50m backstroke. Tyler had a great weekend, achieved four best times and was instrumental in the success of his relay team.
Special thanks to our coaches, Sharon Burns and Mike Miller who stepped up and volunteered their time and expertise to make this an event that our swimmers will remember forever.
by Pam Moore