In her career-first swim meet, Richmond Rapids paraswimmer Emily De Boer has made the qualification standards to compete at this year’s Can-Ams, a paraswimming-focused event with top-level teams from all over the world.

At Rapids-hosted West Coast Open, De Boer achieved the time in the 100 breaststroke, while also achieving the time standards for BC Provincials in both the 100 breaststroke and 100 backstroke.

Since the athletic classification of paraswimmers is a rigorous, multi-step process, De Boer had actually been training for three seasons before she was able to post a sanctioned time.

These performances marked De Boer for participation in BC-wide programs. She was invited to attend a provincial camp, which included both provincial and national team head coaches, and a group of her fellow BC athletes. De Boer also earned herself a spot on the BC Summer Games team for later this July.

She will join 45 of her Rapids teammates in Victoria this weekend for Provincial Championships, her first championship meet.  This marks one of the largest groups of swimmers the Rapids have ever taken to Provincials, which bodes well, as the Rapids look to repeat their championship-winning performance from short-course Provincials.

Live results for the meet will be available at richmondrapids.com and swimbc.ca.