Sibling swimmers snag medals

Sarnia siblings introduced recently to Journal readers came home with a cache of medals from the Swimming Canada Age Group Nationals in Winnipeg.

Sarnia siblings introduced recently to Journal readers came home with a cache of medals from the Swimming Canada Age Group Nationals in Winnipeg.

Samuel Boily-Dufour, 15, accomplished his goal of making the podium in four events, capturing a gold medal and three bronze at the competition, which featured nearly 900 swimmers from 146 clubs nationwide.

He was first in the 100-metre backstroke, and third in the 50-metre backstroke, 50-metre freestyle and 100-metre freestyle.

“I did exactly what I wanted to do,” he said.

Perhaps more surprising was the success of his 13-year-old sister Maude.

After recovering from an injury last season, she had hoped to make the “B” finals (qualifying 9-16th) in the five events she qualified for at her first appearance at the nationals.

Instead, she walked away with two bronze medals, in the 50-metre and 100-metre backstroke events.

“I was expecting to be really nervous, but it was a really good first experience for me,” she said.

“I won two medals out of nowhere.”

The pair, who both swim for the Sarnia Rapids “Y” Swim Club, say the success will increase their confidence going forward.

In fact, Samuel has set a goal of making some Olympic Trial standards this coming season.

 – Barry Wright