Day One
100 Free Rebecca Schamber 3rd, Emma Funk 8th (New Youth Recognition Time)
200 IM Rebecca 4th, Brooklyn 7th, Emma 8th
50 Back Brooklyn 3rd
Day Two
4x50 Free Relay 10 and under girls- Silver and New Club Record (Brooklyn, Rebecca, Emma, Megan)
100 Back Rebecca Schamber 5th
50 Breast Emma Funk 7th
400 Free Rebecca Schamber 2nd, Brooklyn Janzen 7th
Day Three
200 Free Rebecca 3rd, Emma 6th
200 Back Rebecca 3rd
100 Breast Alli 14th
50 Fly Brooklyn 1st 34.86, Emma 3rd 36.13 and Rebecca 4th 36.88 for 50 Fly. Almost a sweep by good old STSC. Both Brooklyn and Emma were under the old club record!
Day Four
50 Free Finals Brooklyn 2nd, Emma 6th
200 Breast Alli 13th, Aaron 16th
100 Fly Finals (Almost 1-2-3) Brooklyn 1st, Rebecca 2nd, Emma 4th
10 and under 200 Medley Relay 4th.
Monday, June 29
Monday, June 22
Open Water Provincials
19th Annual
Provincial Open Water
Swimming Championships
Sylvan Lake, Alberta, July 25, 2009
Race Day: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Course: 5km Speedo Alberta Open Championships
-Female and Male: 13-14, 15-16, 17-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & Over
2.5 km Provincial 13 & Over Race Distance
-Female and Male: 13-14,
1 m Provincial Citizen’s Swim Race Distance
-11 & 12 plus general public citizens race
Location: Main Pier of the Sylvan Lake Provincial Park in Sylvan Lake, Alberta
Entry Limit: 125 participants
Entry Fee: $45.00
FAXED AND MAILED IN ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE SWIM ALBERTA OFFICE
NO LATER THAN 4:30PM (MST) ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2009.
REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ON RACE DAY
Wetsuits are NOT permitted. If the lake temperature drops below 16˚C the event will be
cancelled.
Each participant will receive a complimentary Subway© sub, a participant gift bag, race
cap, event cap, event t-shirt and entry into the door prize draw.
Registration: Opens at 7:00 am
Close for all events at 7:45 am
Race Start: 8:00 am: 5K race starts
8:05 am: 2.5K race starts
8:08 am: 1K race starts
Timing: Electronic timing will be used and supplied by Results Canada
Warm-up: Warm-up may be done at the participant’s discretion inside of the public
swim line between 7:00 am and 7:45 am.
Prizes: Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female in the 5km race
Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishes in each age/gender
Exception – Citizen’s Swim prize to be awarded to the top place finisher only
Please forward all entries and registration fees to:
Swim Alberta
Attention: Cari Harr
11759 Groat Road, Edmonton AB, T5M 3K6
Phone: (780) 415-1780 Fax: (780) 415-1788
Email: office@swimalberta.ca
Farewell
If you were not able to make it to the Awards Brad Murray announced that I have made the decision to not continue next year with Silver Tide. I have recieved a full time teaching contract and with that it is time to start a new time in my career. I have always loved swimming and will greatly miss helping you reach your goals. I wish you all the best and hope to see all your names in the news soon!
Keep up the great work!
Kellie
I can always be emailed at rolstonkellie@gmail.com
Keep up the great work!
Kellie
I can always be emailed at rolstonkellie@gmail.com
So Far......
Wow what a success this year has been. We have had
- Two Age Group National Qualifiers
- 2 Club Records (With a few more on the way)
- 10 Swimmers at Age Group Trials (B)
- 12 Swimmers at Age Group Champs (A)
- 3 Swimmers achieve Youth Recognition (With more to come)
There have been many more individual successes that I have seen everyday. Also a big congrats to Nadine for making Worlds and to Zac and Karlyn for making the Canada Games team for triathlon!
Way to go STSC!!!
Saturday, June 20
Club Records
Congratulations to Brooklyn Janzen for her first ever individual club record in the 9-10 50 Fly with a time of 35.5. Also congrats to the 9-10 girls on breaking the 200 Free Relay with a time of 2:14.30 (Emma 33, Halle 35, Brooklyn 32 and Rebecca 32).
Monday, June 15
Nadine Qualifies for World Championships!
Congratulations Nadine and Matt! Way to go!
http://www.swimalberta.ca/news/nadine-williams-qualifies-for-world-championships.htm
http://www.swimalberta.ca/news/nadine-williams-qualifies-for-world-championships.htm
Age Group Trials- 4 New Swimmers Going to Age Group Provincials
It was one of the best Age Group Trials I have attended. We had a number of swimmers making final swims and many, many best times. Over the weekend we had 3 new A qualifiers and one event winner. All earned them a trip to Age Group Provincials. Alli and Aaron achieved new A times in the 100 and 200 Breast, while Welton achieved a new A time in 50 Breast and also won the 200 Breast. Lauren swam a great 200 Fly to win that event and came 3 in the 400 IM.
They were not all the success of the meet. Other highlights include first time provincial finals from Maddi (6), Megan (3) and Caleb (3). All three were in the bottom of their age groups and are getting closer to A times in a few events with Maddi just missing the 50 Free. Piper and Marielle had great swims in the freestyle events to move up in their placings. We had three girls in the top 8 in the 13-14 800 Free with Alli, Sarah and Marielle all swimming great races.
Way to go swimmers! Congratulations to all!
They were not all the success of the meet. Other highlights include first time provincial finals from Maddi (6), Megan (3) and Caleb (3). All three were in the bottom of their age groups and are getting closer to A times in a few events with Maddi just missing the 50 Free. Piper and Marielle had great swims in the freestyle events to move up in their placings. We had three girls in the top 8 in the 13-14 800 Free with Alli, Sarah and Marielle all swimming great races.
Way to go swimmers! Congratulations to all!
Monday, June 8
BRRR!
It was cold, but we swam fast. Can't wait to see what the results are at the upcoming meets. Remember to take care of yourself this week as it was a long weekend.
Congrats to Haley for achieving her first A time in the 800 Free!
Congrats to Haley for achieving her first A time in the 800 Free!
Monday, June 1
Silver Cup
It was a great weekend at the pool for Silver Tide swimmers. The club had three first time qualifiers with Greg making Age Group Nationals in 50 Fly and Welton and Megan W making Age Group Trials in the 200 IM and 400 Free respectively. It was also a weekend where many swimmers from the group tried and were successful in new events. We were heavily represented in the 400 IM and 200 Fly over the weekend. Everyone who did the events executed their race very well. It was great to see!
Over the weekend some of the highlights were many swimmers achieving 100% long course best times. List to come once results are posted.
New A times by Emma Funk in the 200 Free, 200 Back, 100 Back, 200 Breast and she is also getting closer to her Youth Recognition Time in the 100 Fly.
New A times by Brooklyn Janzen in the 200 Free and 200 Back.
New Youth Recognition Times Long Course by Rebecca Schamber (200 free) and Brooklyn (100 Fly).
Getting closer to A's we have Haley W and Alli H. Both are only a few seconds of their A' time in a number of events.
There are 2 or 3 more racing opportunities left for the season. Make the most of them.
Off to Red Deer, Age Group Trials, Team Time Trial and Age Group Champs we go!
Also I would like to welcome the new head coach to Silver Tide. He is taking over a great program with enthusiastic and hard working swimmers. Lets make sure to say hi and introduce yourself around the pool to Chris Nelson.
Over the weekend some of the highlights were many swimmers achieving 100% long course best times. List to come once results are posted.
New A times by Emma Funk in the 200 Free, 200 Back, 100 Back, 200 Breast and she is also getting closer to her Youth Recognition Time in the 100 Fly.
New A times by Brooklyn Janzen in the 200 Free and 200 Back.
New Youth Recognition Times Long Course by Rebecca Schamber (200 free) and Brooklyn (100 Fly).
Getting closer to A's we have Haley W and Alli H. Both are only a few seconds of their A' time in a number of events.
There are 2 or 3 more racing opportunities left for the season. Make the most of them.
Off to Red Deer, Age Group Trials, Team Time Trial and Age Group Champs we go!
Also I would like to welcome the new head coach to Silver Tide. He is taking over a great program with enthusiastic and hard working swimmers. Lets make sure to say hi and introduce yourself around the pool to Chris Nelson.
Tuesday, May 26
Full Speed Ahead
We are off to the races. The next few weeks are very busy for not only our group but all of Silver Tide. This weekend we kick it off with the Silver Cup, then Red Deer (think SUN!!), Age Group Trials, Team Fun Meet, and then last but not least Age Group Champs. Remember to wear your team clothes and to come ready to show off your improved skills.
STAY POSITIVE!This is the time of the year where illnesses, exams, projects, field trips and nicer weather can take its toll. Be sure to maintain a positive attitude, and know that all of your hard work will pay off, both in the pool and in life. Staying positive is not only a characteristic for a great and successful swimmer, but it will make you feel better, and it can uplift those around you. Your friend in the next lane might be feeling down, and your positive outlook could mean a lot in those difficult and trying sets. Be a positive influence in the group! Lets help each other finish the year off successfully.
T.E.A.M. – This stands for Together Everyone Achieves More. Pushing each other in workout, having a positive attitude, and cheering on your team makes everyone better.
STAYING HEALTHY!
This is the time of year we like to increase our load by enjoying the weather outside. Try to prevent illnesses by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, staying hydrated and by washing your hands. Unfortunately, even if you are doing all of the right things to stay healthy, those pesky bugs can still latch on and make you sick. If this does in fact happen, play it smart. Continue to eat healthy, increase your fluid intake, and for goodness sake, get MORE rest! It is much better to get that rest early on and get yourself back to normal, than to run yourself into the ground and end up having to miss several workouts or more. Also with track and outdoor events remember to wear your sunscreen and always carry your water bottle.
If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Maya Angelou, Author and Poet
STAY POSITIVE!This is the time of the year where illnesses, exams, projects, field trips and nicer weather can take its toll. Be sure to maintain a positive attitude, and know that all of your hard work will pay off, both in the pool and in life. Staying positive is not only a characteristic for a great and successful swimmer, but it will make you feel better, and it can uplift those around you. Your friend in the next lane might be feeling down, and your positive outlook could mean a lot in those difficult and trying sets. Be a positive influence in the group! Lets help each other finish the year off successfully.
T.E.A.M. – This stands for Together Everyone Achieves More. Pushing each other in workout, having a positive attitude, and cheering on your team makes everyone better.
STAYING HEALTHY!
This is the time of year we like to increase our load by enjoying the weather outside. Try to prevent illnesses by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, staying hydrated and by washing your hands. Unfortunately, even if you are doing all of the right things to stay healthy, those pesky bugs can still latch on and make you sick. If this does in fact happen, play it smart. Continue to eat healthy, increase your fluid intake, and for goodness sake, get MORE rest! It is much better to get that rest early on and get yourself back to normal, than to run yourself into the ground and end up having to miss several workouts or more. Also with track and outdoor events remember to wear your sunscreen and always carry your water bottle.
If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Maya Angelou, Author and Poet
Wednesday, May 13
Dedication
Ultimately individual dedication hinges on individual motivation. The athletes who often demonstrate the most dedication are those who love the sport and work to see themselves improve.
Levels of Dedication--- Which one are you?
Tuesday, May 12
Thought to remember
It is not only what you do when I am watching that counts, but really what you do when I am not.
I can not watch all of you all the time, but you can make yourself better all the time! This includes in and out of the water. It all counts!
I can not watch all of you all the time, but you can make yourself better all the time! This includes in and out of the water. It all counts!
Monday, May 11
Saturday Morning Practices 6:30- 9:45
Saturday morning practices are an important part of the swim week. It gets you used to swimming at a time when most of this groups races happen, during heats! Over the last few weeks the group has had less than 10 swimmers (50%) showing up for the one morning practice that we have. This is not a group were the swim practices our optional. Some of the group has been telling me where they have been and thank you for that. It is the only two hour practice that the group has and all provincial level athletes are in need of the work that happens in these practices. They are all important as it prepares you for the next level of swimming and allows technique to be taught and practiced in the same practice time more efficiently. We have the best lane space we have all week and we need to take advantage of it. If there is something that you have that prevents you from committing to Saturday morning practices please let me know.
Wednesday, April 29
FRIDAY CHANGES
Friday practices have now been moved from 4:00 to 6:00 including dry land for the rest of the season. Please check the website http://www.silvertide.ca/ for the May news and calendars.
Practice Changes May 1&2 EKI
Friday May 1: 4:00-6:00 including dryland
Saturday May 2: 6:30- 8:45 no dryland
Saturday May 2: 6:30- 8:45 no dryland
Monday, April 27
Who Do You Swim For
From Craig Townsend
Champion swimmers train every day and swim at meets because it is their OWN personal ambition. No one else's, just their own. Sure, it's also nice to win for other people, such as parents, coach or friends, but if these other people became the MAIN reason why they trained everyday, they simply would NOT succeed, it's as simple as that.
If these swimmers do achieve some results, it would only be through sacrificing something far more important, such as happiness in their own life. This is a major point, because regularly I see swimmers becoming disillusioned with their swimming because they feel that they are striving for goals which are not their own, but someone else's. Often these swimmers feel pressured to perform, and often feel 'guilty' at the very thought of changing their goals to something they might actually want (such as changing events, meets, or even having a break) - all because they feel emotionally responsible to keep someone else happy.
The bottom line is this - you cannot succeed unless you enjoy what you are doing. This is NOT to say that you have to enjoy every single moment (there'll always be some areas which may not be enjoyable!), but the overall reason why you get out of bed in the morning must be because you are happy with what you are doing. This is actually a major principle which applies to 'life' as well as swimming - you must either enjoy it, or find a way to enjoy it - if you wish to succeed. No one else's motivation will ever be enough to keep you going, you must have the motivation inside you already. All champions are self-motivated, driven people, they know what they want and they go after it - and they would never, ever bother trying to accomplish something that did not motivate them, not even if their best friend wanted them to do it. This is because they'd know that it would be a simple waste of their time and energy.
It's important to swim for yourself, and no-one else. Because this is only kind of motivation which will succeed, or be for your own benefit. Once again, it is always NICE to win for other people, but don't make them your focus - or it will steer you in the wrong direction. Always follow your heart and do what makes you happy, and you cannot go wrong.
Champion swimmers train every day and swim at meets because it is their OWN personal ambition. No one else's, just their own. Sure, it's also nice to win for other people, such as parents, coach or friends, but if these other people became the MAIN reason why they trained everyday, they simply would NOT succeed, it's as simple as that.
If these swimmers do achieve some results, it would only be through sacrificing something far more important, such as happiness in their own life. This is a major point, because regularly I see swimmers becoming disillusioned with their swimming because they feel that they are striving for goals which are not their own, but someone else's. Often these swimmers feel pressured to perform, and often feel 'guilty' at the very thought of changing their goals to something they might actually want (such as changing events, meets, or even having a break) - all because they feel emotionally responsible to keep someone else happy.
The bottom line is this - you cannot succeed unless you enjoy what you are doing. This is NOT to say that you have to enjoy every single moment (there'll always be some areas which may not be enjoyable!), but the overall reason why you get out of bed in the morning must be because you are happy with what you are doing. This is actually a major principle which applies to 'life' as well as swimming - you must either enjoy it, or find a way to enjoy it - if you wish to succeed. No one else's motivation will ever be enough to keep you going, you must have the motivation inside you already. All champions are self-motivated, driven people, they know what they want and they go after it - and they would never, ever bother trying to accomplish something that did not motivate them, not even if their best friend wanted them to do it. This is because they'd know that it would be a simple waste of their time and energy.
It's important to swim for yourself, and no-one else. Because this is only kind of motivation which will succeed, or be for your own benefit. Once again, it is always NICE to win for other people, but don't make them your focus - or it will steer you in the wrong direction. Always follow your heart and do what makes you happy, and you cannot go wrong.
Punctuality
One thing that I would like to see this group improve on is punctuality at swim meets and at practices. You have been great at telling me when you are going to be away, but the number of swimmers showing up late has been increasing lately. Being on time is important. The end result is that you show respect for others and the program being offered.
Monday, April 6
Goal Setting
Long Course Goal Setting to take place Tuesday this week. Please bring a pencil and your goals in mind.
Changes
There are a few changes to be happening within the Senior Development Group. We will be saying goodbye and good luck in Senior/Senior Step-up to Robyn, Jasmin, Melissa, Brendan and Kevin, while Ryan and Matt will move up all but two days a week. Never forget the little things that you have learnt in Senior Development. Keep working on your skills and your strength and flexibility everyday! While saying goodbye to a few we will be welcoming a few new members to the group. Haley, Rebecca, Brooklyn, Sarah, Emma, Hanna, Caleb and Halle will be joining the group full time as well as Holly, Maddi and Megan one day a week. It should be a fun transition and a great chance to see some new leaders arise from this wonderful hardworking bunch. Be sure to welcome them when they arrive.
Monday, March 23
SC Provincials a Success
It was a great finish to the short course season. We had best times from everyone in the group. Our 11-12 boys of Matt, Kevin and Ryan represented us very well with many podium swims. Everyone of them is inching closer and closer to the 13 and under Age Group National Standard in many events. Kevin placed top 3 in the 800 free, 50-200 Back as well as 400 IM. Matt was top three in the 50-100-200 Breast and 1500 Free. Ryan was third in the 200 Fly. All three boys made second swims in every event they raced over the weekend and made consistent improvements throughout the weekend.
Also at the meet on the weekend were Josie and Sarah in the 11-12 girls, Robyn and Jasmin in the 13-14 girls and Brendan, Liam and Connor in the 13-14 Boys. Josie saw small drops in the events that she swam at B's to qualify to get to the meet. Sarah saw best times in the 100, 1500 Free and 200 Back. Robyn made big drops in the 200 Back and 400 IM as well as a best time in the 800 Free. Jasmin had a great 400 IM, taking the 100 Fly out in a best time by almost 10 seconds to break the 120 mark with a 117! Exciting for future butterfly events! Liam saw best times in the 800 Free, 400 IM, and 50 Fly. Connor swam in his last meet of the season and saw a huge best time in the 200 fly as well as a best time in the 100 Breast, and 100 Fly! Brendan had best times in all but one of his swims on the weekend and is showing better splitting abilities in all of his races.
Way to go Senior Development!
I saw huge improvements from everyone in the group and look forward to the upcoming long course season.
Also at the meet on the weekend were Josie and Sarah in the 11-12 girls, Robyn and Jasmin in the 13-14 girls and Brendan, Liam and Connor in the 13-14 Boys. Josie saw small drops in the events that she swam at B's to qualify to get to the meet. Sarah saw best times in the 100, 1500 Free and 200 Back. Robyn made big drops in the 200 Back and 400 IM as well as a best time in the 800 Free. Jasmin had a great 400 IM, taking the 100 Fly out in a best time by almost 10 seconds to break the 120 mark with a 117! Exciting for future butterfly events! Liam saw best times in the 800 Free, 400 IM, and 50 Fly. Connor swam in his last meet of the season and saw a huge best time in the 200 fly as well as a best time in the 100 Breast, and 100 Fly! Brendan had best times in all but one of his swims on the weekend and is showing better splitting abilities in all of his races.
Way to go Senior Development!
I saw huge improvements from everyone in the group and look forward to the upcoming long course season.
Team Alberta
Congrats to Ryan and Kevin for making Team North for the Alberta North South Training Camp and Dual Meet April 10-11, 2009 at NAIT. Way to go boys!
Sunday, March 15
Time Trial
Liam took off 5 seconds in his 200 Fly on Saturday to swim well under the A time. He is now a 2:50 in the 200 Fly and off to A's.
Way to go Liam!
Way to go Liam!
Results from Nationals
Day One ended with Nadine finishing 10th overall in the 1500 with a best time of 16:53.18 taking off over 20 seconds in a close race.
Day Two we had Mike Clarke in action in the mens 800. Mike was successful in requalifying for Nationalsplacing 30th in 8:30.57.
Day Three saw Nadine swim to 25th in the 400 Free breaking the 4:20 mark for the first time and taking almost4 seconds off her best time. Mike is also swimming the 400 Free.He finished 51st Spring Nationals
Day Four saw Nadine swim to a 8:51 taking off 9 seconds from her best time and finishing 14th.
Both Mike and Nadine swim the 5 Km event on Day Five.
New from the Pool:
World Record for Annamay Pierse at 2009 Spring Nationals Edmonton, Alberta's Annamay Pierse broke the World Record in the women's 200 metre breaststroke. The new WORLD RECORD is now set at 2:17.50 shaving 25/100 off the old record set back in 2003 by Australia's Leisel Jones.
Also numerous Age Group National and National short course records were set.
Day Two we had Mike Clarke in action in the mens 800. Mike was successful in requalifying for Nationalsplacing 30th in 8:30.57.
Day Three saw Nadine swim to 25th in the 400 Free breaking the 4:20 mark for the first time and taking almost4 seconds off her best time. Mike is also swimming the 400 Free.He finished 51st Spring Nationals
Day Four saw Nadine swim to a 8:51 taking off 9 seconds from her best time and finishing 14th.
Both Mike and Nadine swim the 5 Km event on Day Five.
New from the Pool:
World Record for Annamay Pierse at 2009 Spring Nationals Edmonton, Alberta's Annamay Pierse broke the World Record in the women's 200 metre breaststroke. The new WORLD RECORD is now set at 2:17.50 shaving 25/100 off the old record set back in 2003 by Australia's Leisel Jones.
Also numerous Age Group National and National short course records were set.
Wednesday, March 11
You Are Creating Your Future Results - Right Now -Craig Townsend
Believe it or not, the way you practice today is going to have a direct result upon your results in the near future.
- Put in a solid, consistent and enthusiastic practice session each day, as much as possible - which your subconscious will record for your future races.
- Visualize regularly the exact result you want to achieve in your races, as this creates positive 'programs' within your mind for your body to follow.
- Make sure your thoughts, words and emotions are positive - 99% of the time, as the body is greatly affected by your emotional state.
This means that 'today' DOES affect what will happen tomorrow - and what you do today in practice will make a difference to your meets in a few week's time, so don't waste the opportunity you have right now, at this very moment. If you truly want positive results in future, create positive habits in your training that will echo throughout your meets in future. In essence, I am saying you must become the person (now) you wish to be (later). Don't wait and just hope it will happen, MAKE it happen - and this means you have to work with in the 'now' - and that means today's training session.
Friday, February 27
March News
The March calendar is on the website.http://www.silvertide.ca/
Please check it carefully as there are a number of changes with swim meets and training before spring break.
Please check it carefully as there are a number of changes with swim meets and training before spring break.
Monday, February 23
Age Group Trials
First of all a big thank you goes out to the Silver Tide family for running a great meet and spending their weekend at the pool. It was great to see lots of families and swimmers out to help at the meet.
We had a great weekend in the pool as well. Emma Funk stole the show making 7 out of 7 finals, 100% best times, swimming on two relays and achieving her first ever A Times in the 50 and 100 Fly and 50 and 100 Free! Way to go Emma. Also achieving a new A time in her new age group was Josie Poliquin in the 100 Back, she also made a number of finals and 100% best times. Both swimmers will be off to Age Group Champs in a month with the rest of our A swimmers.
Swimmers from both Provincial and Senior Development competed hard all weekend with a number of best times, heat winners and final swims. It was the first time a number of the swimmers had a chance to make finals and they all took advantage of it and learnt how important it is to swim faster at night. In the 11-12 Girls we Haley swam to 100% best times after aging up last week. Lauren swam to 100% Best times, including a first ever 200 Fly bronze medal and a 13 year old QT in the 200 IM. In the 13-14 Girls we had a number of swimmers swim to best times with the girls really stepping it up on the relays. They started off the weekend with a silver in the 200 Free Relay (Mel, Marielle, Alli, Breanne) and finished it off with a gold in the 13-14 girls 200 Medley Relay (Mel, Alli, Sierra, Breanne) and 100 % best times from Piper. Liam and Aaron were our men at the meet. Liam had a fantastic weekend making huge drops in his 100 and 200 butterfly coming so close to making his A time in both races. Aaron is also getting closer to those A times and had a great weekend with a bronze medal in the 200 Breast. Both boys swam to 100 % best times. Both of the boys we should see moving up to the A level very soon.
Now both groups are looking to the future with more A and B times ahead and fast swimming at the provincials in Calgary!
We had a great weekend in the pool as well. Emma Funk stole the show making 7 out of 7 finals, 100% best times, swimming on two relays and achieving her first ever A Times in the 50 and 100 Fly and 50 and 100 Free! Way to go Emma. Also achieving a new A time in her new age group was Josie Poliquin in the 100 Back, she also made a number of finals and 100% best times. Both swimmers will be off to Age Group Champs in a month with the rest of our A swimmers.
Swimmers from both Provincial and Senior Development competed hard all weekend with a number of best times, heat winners and final swims. It was the first time a number of the swimmers had a chance to make finals and they all took advantage of it and learnt how important it is to swim faster at night. In the 11-12 Girls we Haley swam to 100% best times after aging up last week. Lauren swam to 100% Best times, including a first ever 200 Fly bronze medal and a 13 year old QT in the 200 IM. In the 13-14 Girls we had a number of swimmers swim to best times with the girls really stepping it up on the relays. They started off the weekend with a silver in the 200 Free Relay (Mel, Marielle, Alli, Breanne) and finished it off with a gold in the 13-14 girls 200 Medley Relay (Mel, Alli, Sierra, Breanne) and 100 % best times from Piper. Liam and Aaron were our men at the meet. Liam had a fantastic weekend making huge drops in his 100 and 200 butterfly coming so close to making his A time in both races. Aaron is also getting closer to those A times and had a great weekend with a bronze medal in the 200 Breast. Both boys swam to 100 % best times. Both of the boys we should see moving up to the A level very soon.
Now both groups are looking to the future with more A and B times ahead and fast swimming at the provincials in Calgary!
Thursday, February 19
“The Mundanity of Excellence” Excerpted from Champions: The Making of Olympic Swimmers by Daniel F. Chambliss
The champion athlete does not simply do more of the same drills and sets as other swimmers; he or she also does things better. That’s what counts. Very small differences, consistently practiced, will produce results. In swimming it could be doing all turns legally, or swimming one extra set of repeats after practice every day, or wearing gloves on your hands to keep them warm at a meet. American historian John Morton Blum reportedly has said that to be successful a writer need produce only three pages a day---every single day. Often the trick is doing little things (like good turns) correctly, all the time, every time. Championship training consists of doing more and more of these little things---and they are, finally, innumerable---each one consistently, so that each one produces a result.
The results of such quality training inevitable add up. Swimming is swimming, we can say---in practice, or in meets, it’s all the same. If you swim sloppily 364 days a year, nothing great is going to happen on the day of that one big meet, no matter how excited you get. Nowadays top-level swimmers tend to treat workouts as meets, where every swim counts; they have to win each repeat, always do great starts and turns. Steve Lundquist, for example, decided early in his career to try to win every swim in every practice, and eventually he did that. Many Mission Viejo swimmers took time every day to psych up for workouts, which they treated as intense competitions. It was not uncommon to see swimmers at Mission Viejo swimming within seconds of their lifetime bests in practices, going all out every day. When they eventually got to a meet, there was nothing new to be overcome, and the conclusion was all but foregone: for all the closeness of the times at Nationals, the same people often do win, year after year. When Rowdy Gaines studied the starter in the Olympic Games, that was not a new “trick” he invented that day. He always checked the starter, as do many swimmers, because he knows that sometimes it makes a difference. He wasn’t “cheating” to win that day. He was simply attending to details that other people didn’t, and he had the good luck that the officials didn’t recall the start. Mike Heath and Mark Stockwell and the five other swimmers in that race could have anticipated the gun, too, perhaps with good results, but they didn’t. Gaines did. These little things matter not so much because of their physical impact, but because psychologically they separate the champion from everyone else. Having done the little things, the champion can say “I have done what no one else has done, and I know it; and they know it, too.” The little things, the details, then can be important for their testimonial value, their symbolic value, in setting one apart as someone special or different---someone to be watched and to be paid attention to. “This guy takes this seriously (and we don’t); he really does deserve to win.” “Why should I hurt myself in this race when Christine wants it that bad?” The little things, far from being an aggravation for top-level athletes are the part they most enjoy: the polished points that mark the craftsmen of sport.
One result of this we call “confidence.” Some people believe that confidence is “mental” or is “all in your head,” as if you could just, one day, decide to have it. Or they believe that you get “confidence” when you buy a cassette tape that tells you to relax, think positively, visualize your races, and so on. They believe that confidence is a mental trick, like hypnosis, that can take one to incredible feats. But the confidence of the champion is not some trick learned by listening to an inspiring lecture. Confidence is not the cause of championship; it is the result of setting up difficult tasks and then doing them. As one coach put it, “Mental preparation is something you do in the water everyday.
”Our usual view of champions tells us the opposite. We think they are special people, larger than life: unusually good-looking, successful, happy all the time, patriotic, and self-confident. Failures don’t get much TV coverage. For the sake of drama, reasonably enough, storytellers enhance some part of the story and downplay others. And we think reasonably: My God, this guy is nothing like me, I could never do what he does.But there is no magic that separates Olympians from everyday people, despite the fact that the title suggests Greek gods. No one is born to make the Olympic finals; potential doesn’t win a gold medal. Doing it is the only thing that counts. The truth is simple: Most swimmers choose every day not to do the little things. They choose, in effect, not to win. They say, “I could do this workout if I wanted to,” or “I could have rolled with the start,” or “I would have won if I had been healthy.” In some sense, everyone “could” win in the Olympic Games, but “could” doesn’t count.
The gold medal is reserved for those who do. The doing---this alone makes champions different.
The excitement they feel comes from the raw physical and emotional reality they face every morning as they swim six miles, paying attention to all the details. Certainly the Olympic Games represent a rare opportunity to demonstrate publicly one’s heroic capabilities. But champions do not wait four years to find their heroic opportunities; they create those opportunities, every day.
The results of such quality training inevitable add up. Swimming is swimming, we can say---in practice, or in meets, it’s all the same. If you swim sloppily 364 days a year, nothing great is going to happen on the day of that one big meet, no matter how excited you get. Nowadays top-level swimmers tend to treat workouts as meets, where every swim counts; they have to win each repeat, always do great starts and turns. Steve Lundquist, for example, decided early in his career to try to win every swim in every practice, and eventually he did that. Many Mission Viejo swimmers took time every day to psych up for workouts, which they treated as intense competitions. It was not uncommon to see swimmers at Mission Viejo swimming within seconds of their lifetime bests in practices, going all out every day. When they eventually got to a meet, there was nothing new to be overcome, and the conclusion was all but foregone: for all the closeness of the times at Nationals, the same people often do win, year after year. When Rowdy Gaines studied the starter in the Olympic Games, that was not a new “trick” he invented that day. He always checked the starter, as do many swimmers, because he knows that sometimes it makes a difference. He wasn’t “cheating” to win that day. He was simply attending to details that other people didn’t, and he had the good luck that the officials didn’t recall the start. Mike Heath and Mark Stockwell and the five other swimmers in that race could have anticipated the gun, too, perhaps with good results, but they didn’t. Gaines did. These little things matter not so much because of their physical impact, but because psychologically they separate the champion from everyone else. Having done the little things, the champion can say “I have done what no one else has done, and I know it; and they know it, too.” The little things, the details, then can be important for their testimonial value, their symbolic value, in setting one apart as someone special or different---someone to be watched and to be paid attention to. “This guy takes this seriously (and we don’t); he really does deserve to win.” “Why should I hurt myself in this race when Christine wants it that bad?” The little things, far from being an aggravation for top-level athletes are the part they most enjoy: the polished points that mark the craftsmen of sport.
One result of this we call “confidence.” Some people believe that confidence is “mental” or is “all in your head,” as if you could just, one day, decide to have it. Or they believe that you get “confidence” when you buy a cassette tape that tells you to relax, think positively, visualize your races, and so on. They believe that confidence is a mental trick, like hypnosis, that can take one to incredible feats. But the confidence of the champion is not some trick learned by listening to an inspiring lecture. Confidence is not the cause of championship; it is the result of setting up difficult tasks and then doing them. As one coach put it, “Mental preparation is something you do in the water everyday.
”Our usual view of champions tells us the opposite. We think they are special people, larger than life: unusually good-looking, successful, happy all the time, patriotic, and self-confident. Failures don’t get much TV coverage. For the sake of drama, reasonably enough, storytellers enhance some part of the story and downplay others. And we think reasonably: My God, this guy is nothing like me, I could never do what he does.But there is no magic that separates Olympians from everyday people, despite the fact that the title suggests Greek gods. No one is born to make the Olympic finals; potential doesn’t win a gold medal. Doing it is the only thing that counts. The truth is simple: Most swimmers choose every day not to do the little things. They choose, in effect, not to win. They say, “I could do this workout if I wanted to,” or “I could have rolled with the start,” or “I would have won if I had been healthy.” In some sense, everyone “could” win in the Olympic Games, but “could” doesn’t count.
The gold medal is reserved for those who do. The doing---this alone makes champions different.
The excitement they feel comes from the raw physical and emotional reality they face every morning as they swim six miles, paying attention to all the details. Certainly the Olympic Games represent a rare opportunity to demonstrate publicly one’s heroic capabilities. But champions do not wait four years to find their heroic opportunities; they create those opportunities, every day.
Novice Series
The quick one day event at the U of A was a big success for the group. We came out of the meet with two new B QT's from Piper and Breanne. I saw the group trying to focus on their turns and finishes as well of apply their technique to the shorter races. 5/5 or 4/5 best times came from Brendan, Breanne, Robyn, Piper, and Connor. Its was great to see everyone getting excited for the short 50's and then putting it all together for the 200 IM.
It was a hard week of swimming for the A qualifiers and the B swimmers are looking to have a great meet this weekend at our own pool!
It was a hard week of swimming for the A qualifiers and the B swimmers are looking to have a great meet this weekend at our own pool!
Monday, February 9
Alberta Rankings
Check out where you stand (Top 5 Alberta Rankings by Age)
http://www.swimalberta.ca/coaches/alberta-top-5-age-group-ranking.htm
Power Rankings
https://www.swimming.ca/PowerRankings.aspx
You can check for all of Canada, or just Alberta.
http://www.swimalberta.ca/coaches/alberta-top-5-age-group-ranking.htm
Power Rankings
https://www.swimming.ca/PowerRankings.aspx
You can check for all of Canada, or just Alberta.
Thursday, February 5
February= FOCUS on EVERYTHING
We are approaching the championship meets fast. As a group we are working on always remembering to do the little things properly. Turns, finishes and all of our strokes. I have taken a step back and am in the process of giving a refresher on drills and technique tips for each stroke. Remember every practice is important. Try to plan your time so that you can be at all the practices.
"TO ACHIEVE GREAT THINGS, FIRST SHOW UP EVERY DAY."
"TO ACHIEVE GREAT THINGS, FIRST SHOW UP EVERY DAY."
Wednesday, February 4
Age Group National Update
Swimmers, coaches and parents:
As part of the ongoing effort to improve our National program Swimming Canada introduced pre-qualifying times to the Age Group Nationals last week. This decision, while in accordance with our Long Term Athlete Development Policy and research, was certainly late in being announced and caused disruption with athletes goals and coaches planning. Given your feedback and with discussion with several coaches and Provincial Executive Directors, we have decided to delay the introduction of these standards until September 2009 (please keep this in mind for next year's competition). We truly appreciate your feedback and wish all of you great performances the rest of the year. Many thanks for your thoughts.
Ken Radford, Technical DirectorSwimming Canada
The standards can be found at https://www.swimming.ca/Default.aspx under Events and Age Group Nationals.
As part of the ongoing effort to improve our National program Swimming Canada introduced pre-qualifying times to the Age Group Nationals last week. This decision, while in accordance with our Long Term Athlete Development Policy and research, was certainly late in being announced and caused disruption with athletes goals and coaches planning. Given your feedback and with discussion with several coaches and Provincial Executive Directors, we have decided to delay the introduction of these standards until September 2009 (please keep this in mind for next year's competition). We truly appreciate your feedback and wish all of you great performances the rest of the year. Many thanks for your thoughts.
Ken Radford, Technical DirectorSwimming Canada
The standards can be found at https://www.swimming.ca/Default.aspx under Events and Age Group Nationals.
Tuesday, January 20
Blue Bear
With Christmas training over, it was time for the group to show what all the hard work was for. The meet was a great success for all the Senior Development group. New standards were met by Matt Whiteside (13 year old A), Jasmin Hillman (13 year old A) and Aaron Vanderleek (13 year old 200 IM QT). Walking away with aggregates from the group was Kevin (12 year old boys) and Brendan (13 year old boys).
Over the weekend I saw a lot of good racing. Lots of racing from within the group with the meet being small I had many heats with over 3 swimmers from the group involved. Everyone was racing hard, going out after their swims and seeing the results when they did so! Liam, Aaron, Matt and Lauren all walked away from the weekend with 100% best times and a number others came very close. With big drops in events by many people.
Once again I am going to remind you of the importance to showing up to practice all the time, planning your schedule well, remember that when you are at practice on the land and in the water it is a chance to improve yourself each and every time. We are moving into our championship part of the season with Novice Series Feb 14, Age Group Trials Feb 20-22, NCSA Meet March 7-8 at the Foothills pool in Calgary, and then Age Group Champs in Calgary March 19-22.
We have been great, lets keep it up!
Over the weekend I saw a lot of good racing. Lots of racing from within the group with the meet being small I had many heats with over 3 swimmers from the group involved. Everyone was racing hard, going out after their swims and seeing the results when they did so! Liam, Aaron, Matt and Lauren all walked away from the weekend with 100% best times and a number others came very close. With big drops in events by many people.
Once again I am going to remind you of the importance to showing up to practice all the time, planning your schedule well, remember that when you are at practice on the land and in the water it is a chance to improve yourself each and every time. We are moving into our championship part of the season with Novice Series Feb 14, Age Group Trials Feb 20-22, NCSA Meet March 7-8 at the Foothills pool in Calgary, and then Age Group Champs in Calgary March 19-22.
We have been great, lets keep it up!
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