Last weekend, the Richmond Rapids travel to Victoria to compete in the Island Cup, a meet that regularly attracts fast mid-season swimming.

This year was no different. A small but strong Rapids age group team was up against some of the best in the province, including a large and competitive team from Oregon and some local Olympians. As a part of their training regimen, 1500m Olympic Silver Medalist Ryan Cochrane and Canadian Olympian Julia Wilkinson raced in Friday and Saturday prelim sessions, and due to the magic of circle seeding, a few Rapids got a rare opportunity.

It began with the 200 backstroke, where PAG1 swimmer Rich Rakchtis attempted to "gutterball" Cochrane with a fast first 100. Though the attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, it was certainly a race to remember (pictured). However, National Development swimmer Michael Jakac-Sinclair was able to give Cochrane a run for his money. Only just behind at the 50 wall after his best opener this season, Michael tried to keep pace on the 3rd 25, but Cochrane's years of distance training gave him the advantage on the back half. Finishing just at Cochrane's hip, Michael certainly provided a race that surprised Cochrane.

The highlights weren't only dependent on the presence of a world-class athlete. Brandon Crawford annihilated his 100 breaststroke in a 1:09.95, qualifying him for Western Nationals and breaking the Rapids club record for 13-14 year old boys. In the very same race, David Ng made his first Age Group National standard.

Overall, there was some really satisfying swimming for the Rapids, especially for this point in the season. It really came down to the Rapids desire to race, over than their physical preparation."The majority of the time, big swims in age group swimming come from mental preparation and devotion. It was really encouraging to see our swimmers step up," said Head Assistant Coach Drew McClure.

Listed below are top 3 finishes for the meet. Go Rapids!