NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA CHANNEL CATS
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Orillia Channel Cats swim club member Blythe Wieclawek (17) recently competed at Ontario Junior International held at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre.
The top 18-and-under swimmers from across Canada and Great Britain attended the three-day competition.
Blythe competed in 100m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle.
Her performances at preliminaries in the morning earned her a spot in five events at finals in the evening.
Wieclawek also broke five short course club records in the 15-and-over age group. New records set include 100m butterfly (1:01.10), 50m freestyle (25.86), 100m freestyle (57.40), 50m backstroke (29.52), and 50m butterfly (27.42).
"Blythe is a very hard worker and has been working on improving the tactical aspects of racing."
“She puts everything she can into improving all areas of her swimming and it shows in her results,” said head coach Meredith Thompson-Edwards.
Between preliminaries and finals, Swim Ontario offered a fundamentals clinic to swimmers age 10-12 who achieved a C Festival time as well as any registered Para swimmers.
Two Orillia swimmers attended the clinic. Maelle Bouchard and Nicolas Willis were in attendance along with coach Meghan Tibbet.
All three enjoyed the experience and learned some new drills and skills to bring back to the club.
“The clinic was a great opportunity to interact and work with other coaches and swimmers from clubs across Ontario. Being able to learn from other people and see new methods that can be brought back to our club. Most importantly seeing the kids that are invited having fun and interacting with other swimmers from around the provinces," said coach Meghan Tibbet.
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