BYST Championship Month

Montreal – Day one of Speedo Eastern Canadian Championships is on the horizon.  Shakil Jiwa, 15, and Talia Pappalardo, 14, will be competing in their first event, the 50m backstroke.  This is the first time at such a high competition for both athletes.  On Friday both will compete in the 100m backstroke, while Jiwa also has the 50m freestyle.  On Saturday, Jiwa swims the 100m freestyle, while Pappalardo races the 200m backstroke.  On Sunday, the last day of competition, Pappalardo has the 200m Individual Medley and the grueling 800m freestyle, while Jiwa competes in the 200m freestyle.

When they hit the water, it is likely they will be up against an Olympian or two.  The best of the best from Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada are taking part in this prestigious competition.  The two young athletes will gain whatever experience they can as this is the first step towards 2016 Olympic Trials.  Both will also compete at Ontario Age Group Championships (fastest 13 and over swimmers in the province) at the end of the month, alongside Liam Jarvis, Stephanie Cairns and Katelyn Cairns. 

February began with 20 BYST members attending Eastern Ontario Regional Championships.  The team managed to bring home over 20 medals.  Those earning a spot on the podium included Katelyn Cairns, Stephanie Cairns, Alexander Grant, Rafik Jiwa, Shakil Jiwa, Jeremy Moher and Talia Pappalardo.  Swimmers with 100 percent best times were Stephanie Cairns, Isaac Jarvis, Ryan Jarvis, Rafik Jiwa and Jeremy Moher.  Other BYST athletes competing were Noah Brooks, Courtney Buchanan, Melissa Dingle, Matthew Horwood, Benjamin Isaak, Liam Jarvis, Emily Morrison, Kaitlyn Morrison, Lauren Taylor, Lobsang Wangkhang and Mackenzie Latter.

Seven athletes from BYST are off to Toronto next weekend for Ontario Festivals, the fastest 13 and under swimmers in the province.  Participants include Isaac Jarvis, Ryan Jarvis, Rafik Jiwa, Melissa Dingle, Alexander Grant, Katelyn Cairns and Stephanie Cairns (de-qualified, which means she attained too many Age Group Provincial qualifying times).