The Slave Lake Sharks continued their successful summer season at the High Prairie swim meet, where 34 swimmers combined for an impressive 110 personal best times while bringing home medals in several age divisions.
The meet showcased the team’s continued improvement throughout the season, with swimmers lowering their times while enjoying another weekend of competition.
“This was a very fun meet,” says Paula Leighton, Sharks board member and club president. “Everything went smoothly, and most importantly everyone had fun.”
Medal winners shine
The Sharks earned medals across nine divisions.
In the 6-and-under girls division, Savannah Rabago captured the gold medal.
The 7/8 boys division was one of Slave Lake’s strongest events, with Hudson Williams winning gold, Sebastian Medina taking silver, and Marco Hare earning bronze.
Sloan Woolston earned silver in the 9/10 girls division, while Sean Rabago claimed bronze in the 9/10 boys category.
In the 11/12 girls division, Cobie Gall finished with a bronze medal, while Blake Dahlgren captured silver in the 13/14 girls division.
The Sharks also found success in the adult divisions, where Grace Auger won silver in the 18-plus female category and Ethan McLaren earned silver in the 18-plus male division.
Personal bests highlight meet
Although the team celebrated several podium finishes, Leighton says one of the biggest accomplishments was the number of personal best performances.
The Sharks recorded 110 personal best times during the meet, reflecting the progress swimmers have made through consistent training and competition, says Leighton.
Leighton says the positive atmosphere made the event especially memorable for athletes and families alike.
Now, the Sharks will be preparing for the ASSA Regional Championships in August 8 to 9 at Grande Prairie.
There will be 34 Slave Lake swimmers attending.
Leighton says that the swimmers who earn top finishes at this regional will qualify for provincials at Edmonton’s Kinsmen Sportscentre.
Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader