The Richmond Rapids sent four members to Montreal last month to compete at the Canadian Age Group National Swimming Championships.
This was the final event of the season for the club, who had been training in Montreal for over a week, while Rapids swimmers Brandon De Costa, Nicolaas Dekker and Morgan Mark were competing at the Canadian Senior Nationals.
De Costa won his first two individual Age group National medals - both backstroke disciplines.
The 50 backstroke was the crowning achievement - not only his first medal, but a gold medal and national title. He also won this event in February at Western Nationals. His 100-meter swim was good enough to get him on the podium after a significant time drop, posting a 58.6, his second time ever under a minute long course. De Costa also set club records in both events.
All four members were able to qualify for finals, mostly for the first time ever.
Michael Jacak-Sinclair beat his current 50 freestyle best time in finals, breaking 25 seconds in the process.
Brandon Crawford stepped up in a big way in the 100 breaststroke, with his 50 meter split faster than his best 50 breaststroke, and going sub-1:10 for his first time.
Serena Xue qualified for finals in the 200 breaststroke, finishing in eighth, her best national ranking yet. She also set club records in both the 200 and 50 breaststroke events.
The club starts open registrations on Aug. 24. More information about the Rapids, including next year's registration package, can be found on their website: www.richmondrapids.com.
