Nickel City buoyant after strong provincial meets

Among a group of more than 800 swimmers, a trio of Nickel City Aquatics athletes distinguished themselves at a pair of provincial-calibre swim meets in February.

Competing as a nine-year-old in the 10 & under grouping, Asher Kolari enjoyed a strong showing in his first visit to the Ontario Winter Festival, held Feb. 21-22 in Etobicoke. Kolari placed ninth in the 50m breaststroke (45.36), adding a 16th-place finish in the 100m breast.

The following weekend, Joshua Jeanveau and Joseph Deni hit the road, as both 14-year-olds competed at the Age Group Provincial Championships in Brantford.

Jeanveau registered a 2.89-second improvement to his personal best time in the 100m butterfly, while Deni chopped 3.70 seconds from his previous best in the 100m breaststroke. Both swimmers competed in three different events.

“The races were executed as we have been training for them, and for that, I am proud of them,” NCA head coach Alain Delorme said.

It was Jeanveau's and Deni's first appearance at the championship, which attracts competitors from nearly every club in the province, so both physically and psychologically there were valuable lessons for the teens.

“With over 800 swimmers participating, different aspects of this competition got to Josh and Joe,” Delorme said.

With long-course training now under way, the NCA crew prepare for the NEOR (Northeast Region) meet on April 11-12 at Laurentian University's Olympic Gold Pool.

As well, Nickel City Aquatics hosts the Top Fish No. 3 competition at the Gatchell Pool on April 19.

For information on Nickel City Aquatics and their programs, contact Delorme either by phone (705-665-5569) or email at [email protected].