West Vancouver Otters Swim Club Shines at Mies Schootman Invitational

After an intensive winter training camp, the West Vancouver Otters Swim Club made waves at the Mies Schootman Invitational hosted at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre from January 19-21, 2024. Coaches and swimmers alike were eager to test the effectiveness of their training over the break, and the results spoke volumes about the dedication and hard work put in during the winter months.

The invitational marked the first competition back for the West Vancouver Otters after their winter training camps, providing a valuable opportunity to assess the impact of their rigorous preparation. The team collectively delivered some outstanding performances, showcasing their strength and determination.

One of the standout moments of the competition was the stellar performance of multiple swimmers who claimed victories in their respective events. Andrew Ma demonstrated his prowess in the pool, securing a victory in the highly competitive 100 Fly. Meanwhile, Michelle Zeng emerged as a dominant force, clinching wins in an impressive six events: 100 Back, 400 IM, 200 Back, 100 Free, 200 IM, and 100 Breast. Hank Shen added to the triumph by claiming victories in the 100 Back and 100 Free events.

In addition to the remarkable individual achievements, Michelle Zeng shattered multiple meet records, leaving an indelible mark on the Girls 13-year-old category. Zeng set new records in the 400 IM, 200 Back, 100 Free, 200 IM, and 100 Breast, solidifying her status as a rising star in the swimming world.

The Mies Schootman Invitational also saw the emergence of new talent within the West Vancouver Otters Swim Club. Ryan Zeng made a memorable debut, securing his position as a Divisional qualifier for the first time. This achievement underscored the club's commitment to nurturing and developing young talents, setting the stage for future successes.

Coach Janusz, reflecting on the team's overall performance, expressed pride and optimism for the upcoming season. "The Mies Schootman Invitational provided us with an excellent platform to gauge the effectiveness of our winter training camps. The swimmers demonstrated incredible dedication, and their achievements, particularly the new records and qualifiers, showcase the potential within our team. We are excited about what the future holds for the West Vancouver Otters."

The West Vancouver Otters Swim Club's success at the Mies Schootman Invitational not only highlighted the individual talents of its swimmers but also underscored the strength of the team as a whole. With a promising start to the season, the Otters are poised to make a splash in the upcoming competitions.