In a packed and fast-moving competition at the Northern Lights Aquatic Centre on May 23, 56 Sharks swimmers delivered some wins for a large group of supporters.
The Northern Lakes College (NLC) gym was crowded with swimmers waiting to compete; the bleachers were full, and the sharp sound of whistles blowing pierced the air. Athletes rushed between races, and families lined the stands to cheer on swimmers. It was the perfect setting for one of the club’s strongest early-season performances. Competing on home water, the Sharks entered 56 swimmers and came away with an impressive 119 personal best times.
The meet also produced a long list of medal winners for the Sharks. Those awards, given to the top three finishers in each age group based on total points, reflect much more than one strong race. They reward versatility, endurance, and the ability to perform throughout an entire meet. Slave Lake swimmers rose to that challenge, putting the club in the spotlight in multiple divisions.
Savannah Rabago captured gold in the six-and-under girl’s division. In the seven- and eight-year-old boys category, Sebastian Medina earned silver while Hudson Williams won bronze.
Autumn Short raced to a silver-medal finish in the nine- and 10-year-old girls division, while Blake Dahlgren added another silver in the 13- and 14-year-old girls’ group. On the boys’ side, Nick Noel won gold in the 13- and 14-year-old division.
In the 15- to 17-year-old girls division, Jorgia Green claimed silver and Jerzie Green won bronze. Taiden Tissink won bronze In the 15- to 17-year-old boys division. Rounding out the medal haul, Jillian Williams secured silver in the women’s 18-and-over category.
For spectators, it was an exciting day of hometown sport. For the swimmers, it was a chance to test themselves in front of family and friends. And for the Slave Lake Sharks, it was a statement performance. The Sharks will carry plenty of confidence and momentum into the rest of the season.
The Sharks also attended a swim meet in Grimshaw on May 30.
Sara Driedger
Lakeside Leader