Great start to a long weekend in Etobicoke as 3 Blue Fins squared off against their counterparts from all over Ontario. First heat we got to see HHBF friend and 2008 Olympic Team member Lindsay Seemann of Newmarket win 800FR very easily.
Mitchell Krafczek was up first in 1500FR. We spent time developing a very detailed pacing plan before hand and Mitchell did a fantastic job sticking to it! New HHBF club record for Mitchell AND Age Group Champs qualifier time of 18:46.12 Best time of 16 seconds for Mitchell which is an average of 2 seconds / 100 faster. Really pleased with this race AND looking forward to his 800 next weekend at Central Regions.
Keri-Lyn Copeland and Tessa Cieplucha were next (in the same heat) in the 800FR. Both were quick out the gate with a 100 split of 1:14. Keri-Lyn was only slightly ahead by .42 seconds at that point. Keri-Lyn built a pretty solid lead after 400m, bettering her best long course time for 400FR at the split. Tessa had a fantastic second half of her race after being a little behind pace at 200m.
At the finish, Tessa was a mere 3 seconds off her best time (10:50.27), but still finished 26th of 39 (most of the girls ahead were a year older). Keri-Lyn finally got her 12 year old provincial qualifier time (best time of 10:39.16, 17th, place), which not only means that she will join us in Ottawa, but that we can bring a 4th 11-12year old for a relay. Based on the individuals already qualified, this will be a very strong relay.
I am very pleased with all swims tonight and am looking forward to a fantastic weekend. Stay tuned for updates, every night when I get home from finals.
Mike Thompson
Head Coach
HHBF
