Speedo Eastern Canadian Championships: Katerine Savard Rattles Canadian Record in 50 Fly

GATINEAU, Quebec, February 17. SARAH Fournier of Quebec City and Owen Daly of St. John, N.L., were double winners on Friday at the Speedo Eastern Nationals swimming competition being held this week at the Centre Sportif.

Fournier produced personal best times in her victories in the 50 freestyle clocking 26.55 and 100 backstroke finishing in 1:04.23 in the 15 and under age group. Other winners in the age group were Cassidy Richards of Fredericton in the 50 butterfly, Justine Rhéaume of Montreal in the 200 breaststroke and Samantha Stratford of Guelph, Ont., in the 400 IM

‘'I was most pleased with my 100 backstroke victory,'' said Fournier, 15. It's the event I've been working hardest at. In the 50 free, the key was having a very good start.''

Daly competed in the men's 16 and under category and took the 50 butterfly in 25.25 and 50 freestyle in 24.17. Also with gold were Kyle Haas of Georgetown, Ont., in the 100 backstroke, Antoine Bujold of Trois-Rivieres, Que., in the 200 breaststroke and Tristan Cote of Etobicoke, Ont., in the 400 IM.

‘'It was my best time while in training,'' said Bujold. ‘'I was surprised because I wasn't feeling all that great. This is my last year in this age group and I want to have a really good season.''

In men's 17 and over, winners were two-time Olympian Mike Brown of Calgary in the 200 breaststroke, Ray Betuzzi of Calgary in 50 butterfly, Octavian Petre of Montreal in the 50 freestyle, Pascal Wollach of Calgary in the 100 backstroke and Jeffrey Swanston of Newmarket, Ont., in the 400 IM.

In the women's 16 and over, Katerine Savard of Quebec City grazed her Canadian record clocking 26.55 in the 50 fly. Other winners were Jennifer Beckberger of Whitby, Ont., in the 50 freestyle, Brittany MacLean of Etobicoke, Ont., in the 100 backstroke, Erika Seltenreich-Hodgson, Nepean, Ont., in the 200 breaststroke and Karyn Jewell of Orleans, Ont., in the 400 IM.

‘'I'm pretty happy to get a personal best time,'' said Seltenreich-Hodgson about her victory. ‘'I took it out a lot smoother than usual and tried not too rush it. It augurs well for the 200 IM which is my best event.''

For many of the swimmers here, this week's competition is also a tune up for the Olympic trials set for March 27 to April 1 in Montreal.

Competition continues throught to Sunday with the preliminary sessions at 9am and finals at 6pm local.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use