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OK Falls swimmer sets records in masters swimming championships

Glenn Carlsen of Okanagan Falls made a splash during the B.C. Masters Swimming Championship.
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Glenn Carlsen of Okanagan Falls represented the KISU swim club in the BC Masters Swimming Provincial Championships last weekend at Kelowna’s H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre and secured two Canadian records in the 60 to 64 age group in the 800- and 1500-metre freestyle and a BC record in the 400-m freestyle. Jeanette Hoft photo

Glenn Carlsen of Okanagan Falls made a splash during the B.C. Masters Swimming Championship in Kelowna over the weekend.

Carlsen, representing the KISU swim club, competed in the 60 to 64 age group and secured two Canadian records in the 800- and 1500- metre freestyle and a B.C. record in the 400-m freestyle.

“It’s always fun to race in Kelowna, because the people are always so friendly and welcoming,” said Carlsen. “Masters swimming is like getting together with family who all love to race.”

The championship held at the H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre attracted 190 swimmers representing 35 clubs from B.C. and the U.S.

Okanagan Masters Swimming Club member Betty Brussel, 90-94, and Conny Stamhuis, 85-89, showed true grit by setting new Canadian records in the 800-m freestyle and 200-m backstroke respectively. Not to be outdone by the ladies, Christopher Smith, 85-89, of Trillium Masters Swim Club, Toronto set new Canadian records for the 50-m freestyle and the 100 meter butterfly.

Four BC records were broken by Victoria’s Avila Rhodes, 60-64, in the 50-,100- and 200-m freestyle and the 100-m breaststroke. New BC records were set by OMSC’s Carmelle Guidi-Swan, 45-49, in the 200-m butterfly, Georgina Lopez, 70-74, in the 50-m freestyle and Vlad Shirokov, 25-29, in the 50-m breaststroke.

Masters swimming is about more than setting records. It provides the athletes fun, friendship and fitness and allows individuals to challenge themselves in a safe environment. Many swimmers participated in their first competitive meet, and several seasoned swimmers also achieved personal best times over the weekend.

OMSC won the Masters Swimming Association of British Columbia trophy as the team points leader, followed by English Bay Swim Club, Vancouver and Vernon Masters.

Results are available at http://okmasters.com/openwater/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2017-provinicals-results-mm6results1coldefault.pdf

For more information on Masters Swimming visit the OMSC.