Nathan O'Brien won the Men's 200M Backstroke at the Canadian Olympic Trials on Friday. His time of 1:59.17 was the second fastest time ever swam by a Canadian swimmer and only 2/100's off the Canadian Record. More importantly, his time was well under the qualifying standard and has earned him a trip to the Athens Olympics next month.
Nathan's family has a long history with PCS Coach Ron Jacks and the Olympics. In 1976 Ron coached Nathan's mother in the 1976 Montreal Olympics were she competed in the 800M Freestyle.
There will be a timing how-to clinic on Saturday 3 July 2004 at Saanich Commonwealth Place at 8:30am. Meet at the Aquatic Classroom on the pool deck. This is a critical position at any meet, and especially so at a Provincial Championship. We will need 32 timers for each heats session and 16 for each finals session. Please attend this clinic, be a timekeeper at the meet and support swimmers from all our provincial clubs.
Vancouver Island Long Course Open Age-Group Championships featured some stellar swims, including new Club National qualifier Nicole Crawford, and new AAA qualifiers William Yolland, Andrea Vizsolyi and Samantha Ivanova. A smattering of results: Alyssa Bakken, Tyler Smith, David Vizsolyi and Jayme Weimer each finished in the top three in all their races. Alyssa took Gold in both 100m and 200m Backstroke; Tyler won Gold in the 100m Butterfly, doubling up on his 100 Fly win at Short Course VIRs from January.
PCS Head Coach Ron Jacks has been named to the 2004 Canadian Paralympic Team Coaching Staff, and has been designated the Canadian Open Water Coach. Congratulations Ron!
The Masri Family has graciously offered to host a club end-of-the-year barbeque. This will take place on Saturday, July 3rd from 5:00pm onwards. Please bring you own non-alcoholic beverages. To help with planning please let your coaches know if you will be attending. It would be appreciated if you could bring a desert or salad!
Pacific Coast Swimming is again proud to be involved in the Open Water Swim for MS at Thetis Lake on July 25th, 2004. Please download the information and sponsorship brochure and be involved in this swim. The complete 2004 Open Water Schedule is now posted on the Open Water page.