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Gators swimmers host annual meet

A home pool advantage provides the comfort needed to support many Ponoka swimmers as they attempt their best and hope to break
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More than 200 swimmers from nine clubs took to the waters of the Ponoka Aquaplex for the Gators meet July 20. Ocean Lehocky slices through the water during the 25-metre short back.

A home pool advantage provides the comfort needed to support many Ponoka swimmers as they attempt their best and hope to break a few more records.

On July 20, 229 swimmers, approximately 50 more than last year, from nine clubs took to the waters of the Ponoka Aquaplex for the Gators-hosted meet.

Coach Jon Davis says this year four girls (Kate Hollingsworth, Aspen McTaggert, Lauria Wilson, Harbour Lehockey) were looking to break a record in relay swimming. “If they break the relay time they’ll be the fastest relay team in Alberta for girls under eight.”

The girls finished fourth as a team last year. “They were all seven-year-olds in an eight-years-olds category, so they were all very young,” said Davies.

Last year the Gators swim club broke 56 records and many of the 14 and under boys are provincially ranked. Fifty of the 75 youths swam at the meet, 20 were under eight years old.

“I think this meet really benefits our younger ones because they get to sleep in their own beds and come to the pool the swim at three times a week,” said Davies.

“Lots of them do really well at this meet because they know the pool so well,” he added.

Both Kate Hollingsworth and Mariah Chisholm look forward to the Gators’ meet so much because they get to swim in their own pool.

“It’s a home meet, I love home meets because I’m used to the pool,” said Chisholm.

Chisholm has been swimming competitively for the last three years and competed in the backstroke, two freestyle and the 100-metre IM races.

“It just feels more comfortable,” added Hollingsworth.

She’s been swimming for the past four years and has attended provincials several times.

Results were not available.