Sixteen members of the Estevan Golden Eels Swim Club earned medals during the club’s annual home swim meet on June 27, at the R.M. of Estevan Aquatic Centre.
The Golden Eels surpassed each of the eight competing clubs in total points during the day-long event.
Four Estevan swimmers won gold, six earned silver and five took home bronze medals.
Gold medalists were Alex Andrist (10-and-under girls), Hannah Mantei (12-and-under girls), Racquelle Gibbons (15 to 17 girls), and Thomas Wakely (15 to 17 boys).
Silver medalists were Jordyn Tarnes (eight-and-under girls), William Duncan (eight-and-under boys), Josie Andrist (10-and-under girls), Lucas Dzeryk (10-and-under boys), Adah DeLeeuw (12-and-under girls) and Jaiden Jocelyn (14-and-under boys).
The bronze medalists were Emily Tarnes (10-and-under girls), Denver Sehn (10-and-under boys), Josh Wilson (12-and-under boys), Emily Marshall (14-and-under girls), Reilly McGeough (14-and under boys) and Sam Beahm (15 to 17 boys).
All medal winners competed in five individual events, and their combined individual scores were at least in the top three in their respective age group.
Estevan had 66 swimmers compete at the meet, and coach Akeela Jundt was impressed with how they all competed.
“They’ve been working hard the past couple of weeks, especially; and so I think that shows in their times and a lot of them (have) improved,” said Jundt.
She also noted the swimmers had fun at the event, which also contributed to their success.
“What really impresses me about our kids the most is how they have so much fun. At swim meets they play hard, and then they swim even harder. They have the best time, and that’s really cool to see.”
This was the club’s second swim meet of the season, but Jundt has noticed early improvement among the swimmers.
“Since the start of the season, there has been so much improvement. I think that the best part about swim meets is the fact the kids really understand what it’s all about. So they want to try even harder in the practices … and they just keep getting better after swim meets start."
She also noticed the majority of the swimmers have significantly improved their endurance and technique.
Overall, the swim meet went smoothly and the swimmers enjoyed their time, Jundt said.
The next swim meet for the Eels is on July 4, in Regina, and Jundt expects around 50 Golden Eels to participate in the event.
