National and Age Group National Results

Rapids Have Historically Summer Nationals and Age Group Nationals

The Richmond Rapids Swim Club finished out the year with two major meets in Edmonton and Calgary, competing against the strongest age group athletes the country has to offer.

Nicolaas Dekker and Brandon de Costa represented the Rapids at Canadian Summer Nationals, which showcased the fastest overall Canadian swimmers, excluding the Olympic team. Dekker set a club record in the 50 butterfly (27.05), and de Costa took down the 100 back club record (1:00.98). This was Dekker’s second and de Costa’s first trip to Senior Nationals.

“This was a great experience for these boys,” said Head Coach Robert Pettifer. “Swimming at this level is completely different from provincial meets, and I expect that this experience will be crucial to their development as national level athletes.”

Two days after the conclusion of this meet, these two boys joined twelve other Rapids athletes for Age Group Nationals in Calgary (Kyle Bower, Paula Gosse, Michael Jakac-Sinclair, Liam Kell, Patrick Kell, Jerry Liu, Morgan Mark, Nathan Muszynski, Serena Xue, Cathy Ye, Kevin Ye, and Tony Zeng).

Over the five day meet, the Rapids had five top-8 finalists and set eight individual team records and three relay records, including a 12-year-old medley relay record that included Olympian Brian Johns.

The Rapids also earned several spots on the podium. Kevin Ye pulled double medals in the breaststroke, earning silver in the 50 and gold in the 100, both in club record time. This is Kevin’s first time as National Champion. Jerry Liu earned silver in the 100 backstroke, which is the first time he’s earned a medal at Age Group Nationals. Nicolaas Dekker also finished with a silver in the 200 butterfly, which ads to his steadily growing collection of national medals.

The club is very proud of these swimmers, especially as a demonstration of the hard work they have put in all year. The Rapids begin training again early September, and are taking registration for new members. For more information, including registration dates and the club registration package, visit richmondrapids.com.

Finalists and club record breakers are listed below.

Finalists

Cathy Ye – 100 Butterfly

Nicolaas Dekker – 100 Butterfly

Brandon de Costa – 50 Backstroke

Liam Kell – 100 Breaststroke

Morgan Mark – 50 Freestyle, 50 Butterfly

Club Records

Morgan Mark – 50 & 100 Freestyle, 50 & 100 Butterfly
Kevin Ye – 50 & 100 Breaststroke

Liam Kell – 50 & 100 Breaststroke

Female 15&O 200 Medley Relay – Paula Gosse, Serena Xue, Cathy Ye, Morgan Mark

Male 15&O 200 Free Relay – Michael Jakac-Sinclair, Brandon de Costa, Nicolaas