While all the attention this weekend fell to the Lone Star state for the Austin Grand Prix, some fast swimming did take place north of the border. The annual Ontario cup took place in Toronto displaying some fast results from some of Canada’s top college swimmers. Many of Canada’s college stars were in fact at the Austin Grand Prix, yet the University of Toronto Varsity Blues remained to test the Canadian waters.
Chris Manning swam to a 22.72 in the 50m freestyle to take the win on day two of the Ontario cup. The sprinter from the University of Toronto was off his season best time of 22.13 from the Canada Cup which is currently the top ranked 50m freestyle of this season for Canadian college swimmers. Manning fell short of winning a double gold on day two by finishing behind Western University Mustang swimmer Jake Armstrong in the 50m breaststroke. With a time of 28.24 Armstrong posted the fastest 50m breaststroke this season to take down the 28.27 mark set by UofT’s Konrad Bald who finished third behind Manning. On the last day of competition Manning added a gold in the 100m freestyle.
2013 Canadian World Championship team member and UofT swimmer Zach Chetrat had a great meet as well, winning the 1500m freestyle and 200m fly. The 200m fly being Chetrat’s specialty was swum in a swift 1:58.92. Chetrat has been making some waves lately in some distance freestyle events too, with his new 15:15.32 he’s now ranked second in the college rankings in the event. Come the CIS Championships or Pan Pac trials it’s possible that we’ll be seeing Chetrat take on a wider variety of events which may include some of the longer freestyles.
On the women’s side, most of the standout female swimmers (many of whom swim for the UBC Thunderbirds) were at the Austin Grand Prix leaving UofT star Paige Shultz to take a run at a large medal count. Shultz started off her meet by winning the 200m freestyle in a 2:00.04, followed by a quick 57.64 in the 100m freestyle to take her second gold of the meet. Shultz cruised to a 2:21.50 to take the 200m IM as well, ending off a very successful meet for her. Shultz’s 100m free and 200m IM times weren’t close to as fast as she’s been in season this year, however the 2:00.04 is just eight-tenths off of her season best time of 1:59.23. Shultz should be faster at the CIS Championships in late February.
For full meet results click here.
