Meet Wrap Up: Ken Demchuk (Nov 29 - Dec 1)
Epic is the perfect word! That is how we can best summarize our weekend of racing in Ontario.
Two of our Paralympic athletes raced at the Ken Demchuk Invitational, held from November 29 to December 1, 2024 in Markham, ON. These athletes have poured years of dedication gearing up for the Paris 2024 Games. As we step into a new quad cycle leading to LA 2028, this year is the perfect time to experiment, try new strategies, and see what clicks. The closer you get to the major Games, the harder it becomes to take risks, as those years are focused on perfecting what has already been developed.
This competition marked the first long-course meet for the athletes since Paris, and it was exciting to see the progress they've made with some epic swims. With new training techniques, fresh skills, and different races and strategies, the experience was a vital test of all the hard work and growth they've achieved so far and where we can go on the road to LA 2028.
Achievements!
Shelby Newkirk
4 Canadian Records
· 400 Freestyle – prelim + finals
· 200 IM – finals
· 4x50 Medley relay
1x Personal Best
· 400 Freestyle
Shelby was also swimmer of the day (Nov 29th) Highest point in 100 backstroke!
Hannah Ouellette
1 Canadian Records
· 50 Backstroke
2 Personal best times
· 50 Butterfly
· 50 Backstroke
Hannah also achieved a World Championship 2025 time in the 50m Butterfly!