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Meet Wrap Up: Canadian Trials (Jul 5-9th)

July 12, 2026

Hello TEAM,

This past week Shelby and Coach Chris headed to Montreal to represent the LASERS on the biggest stage in Canadian swimming, "2026 Bell TRIALS", and although there can always be improvements, this was pretty close to the perfect TRIALS!

  

Shelby has had a tough year regarding para classification changes, which ultimately determines the events you race - so this TRIALS Shelby was not able to swim her 100BK which was her top event, and the one she medaled in at the Paris Paralympics in 2024. Her new event schedule was 100FR, 400FR and 100BR. As a true high performance champion does, Shelby didn't complain or find excuses, but rather she focused on what was in her control and trained consistently for these new events, with a priority focus on the 400FR. Shelby focused on proper daily execution, leading up and preparing for these TRIALS, and that focus, hard work and positive mental attitude paid off BIG time in the pool! 

Shelby made all 3 finals in her 3 events, 3 seasonal best times, 2 Pan Pacific 'A-time' qualifications, 1 life time best time (17 second drop in 400FR), 1 BRONZE medal and to top it off, 1 Canadian Record (100BR)! On top of all that success, one of the best parts of the weekend was that Shelby raced fast in the morning and posted great prelim swims, then she returned at night and posted another 'time-drop' at finals, showing consistency in her racing and the ability to rise to the challenge and hype of finals. Consistency and the ability to race are things Swim Sask and Swimming Canada are looking for in our athletes - especially if you want to make a Provincial or National TEAM.

   

At most TRIALS, on the final day, Swimming Canada announced the National TEAM (as these are selection meets to qualify for touring TEAM - Pan Pacific). The announcements were made and Shelby and Coach Ryan were both named to the 2026 Para Pan Pacific National TEAM!!! This is a huge deal, showcasing all the great work that's being done day in and day out by these two LASERS and in the face of such a challenging year it's a well deserved victory for the one and only Shelby Newkirk (aka: The Storm - IYKYK).

Congrats Shelby and Congrats Coach Ryan!!! #LaserPride

  

 

Montreal by the Numbers:

Montreal Podiums:

Highlight Swims:

  

#OutTrainThem