More than 310 swimmers from across the Vancouver Island region descended on the Cowichan Aquatic Centre on May 31 and June 1 as the summer swimming season kicked into high gear with the fifth annual Ice Breaker Meet hosted by the Cowichan Valley Breakers.
The Breakers had 33 swimmers entered in the meet, and earned 95 per cent personal bests, as well as their fair share of medals and ribbons, but one Breaker stood out among the pack.
"Although all of the swimmers had a great weekend, the swimmer of the meet was Reid Urquhart," coach Rachel Wood said. "Reid got all best times and showed great sportsmanship in and out of the water, as well as being a leader for the younger swimmers."
Urquhart finished first in all four of his Div. 6 boys races, the 50m and 100m free, 100m fly, and 100m back, as one of 13 Breakers to collect a medal at the meet.
Both Cowichan O Cat swimmers medalled in all four of their races. Rhys Trafford placed first in the 50m free and 100m backstroke, and was second in the 100m breaststroke and 100m free, while Sofie Bloss was first in the 100m fly, and third in the 200m IM, 100m backstroke and 100m free.
Gabby Pask won medals in four of her six Div. 3 girls races, placing second in the 100m free, and third in the 100m IM, 50m free and 50m backstroke.
James Urquhart placed third in three of his four Div. 5 boys races, collecting bronze in the 50m fly, 100m backstroke and 100m free.
The Div. 1 girls races were dominated by two Cowichan swimmers, who both finished in the top four in all six of their events. Aniela Hagen placed first in the 100m IM, 50m free and 50m fly, and second in the 50m breaststroke and 100m free, while Kaitlyn Atleo was first in the 50m breaststroke, second in the 100m IM, and third in the 50m fly and backstroke.
Lukas Bloss made the top four in all four of his Div. 4 boys races, taking third place in the 100m breaststroke. In the Div. 5 girls events, Sydnae Lowe placed third in the 100m fly, one of her seven events, while Kenzie Pask was third in the 100m backstroke, one of her four races. Brynna Coogan entered six Div. 2 girls races, and placed third in the 50m fly.
Several Breakers coaches also won medals. Allison Wood placed first in both of her events, the 200m IM and 100m backstroke, Rachel Wood was third in the 50m and 100m backstroke, and Drake McKay finished second in the 50m fly and third in the 50m free.
As a team, the Breakers won first in the Div. 3 boys 200m medley relay, second place in the Div. 7 boys 200m medley and freestyle relay, and in the Div. 8 girls freestyle relay, and placed third in the Div. 2, Div. 5 and Div. 6 girls freestyle relays.