By Andrew Ross
Most university students go through the ‘drink like a fish’ phase but only a select few have ever gone through the ‘swim like a fish’ phase.
Last weekend the University of Calgary Swim Club held their Grand Prix Invitational Swim Meet at Lindsey Park Sport Centre. The competition was a venue for more than 350 athletes to flaunt their speed, finesse and tight abs. The meet was not restricted to university-level swimmers. In fact, there were a number of great times and races turned in by some of the younger athletes. But, the best of the best came from the Dinos.
U of C earned a solid 12 gold medals over the three days of action. Most notable was Erin Gammel’s win in the women’s 200m backstroke. The 21-year-old hammered her competition in the final heat, out swimming her teammates Julia Wright and Jane Mikoultchik by nearly six seconds, who finished second and third respectively. Gammel, a national team member, outdid herself in the 50m backstroke, earning 905 points with her 29.29 second time.
Not to be outdone, last year’s Dino Rookie of the Year continued her dominance in the water. Kristy Cameron took home three gleaming golds on the weekend in both the 50 and 100m Breaststroke and the 400m Individual Medley. Cameron continued her dominance in the 400m IM-an event she’s had a death-grip on since standing atop the podium in last year’s Canadian Interuniversity Sport final.
The team travels to Edmonton next weekend to take on the rest of the Canada West competition at the conference championships. The Dinos will have their hands full with perennial powerhouse UBC, but
U of C is no slouch and will look to dethrone the champs.