Competitive swimming is for the most part an individual sport, where winning races and setting meet records is the common goal for most athletes.
The Trail Stingrays, however, have incorporated a team mentality that focuses on setting personal bests each time a swimmer dives into the pool regardless of results.
The strategy has paid off handsomely, leading the Trail Stingrays to not only individual, but collective success as well.
After winning the swim meet in Nelson last week, the Trail Stingrays hosted their own meet on the weekend and swam to another victory, outdistancing the second place Castlegar Aquanauts by over 300 points.
“This was another great meet for our club,” said swim coach Samme Beatson. “The swimmers achieved best times this weekend and their technique is looking better than ever.”
One amazing example was in the finals of the Division 1, 100-metre freestyle, where six-year-old Josie Dunham knocked 12 seconds off her time from the morning race.
Jesse Bartsoff, 16, also performed well, putting up personal bests in almost every race.
“Jesse had a really great meet. He was able to beat his nerves, avoid disqualification, and achieve seven best times over the weekend,” said Beatson.
Similarly, T. J. Worsley bounced back from an illness to post personal bests in his races.
Points are awarded for the top-eight positions in order of finish so even making a final contributes to the team’s performance.
The Stingrays look to continue their strong run at the Creston swim meet this weekend.