COBRA’s National Development squad competed in Pickering at the Lisa Flood Classic the weekend of December 9 – 11. Coach Tony’s group dominated the competition returning to Brampton with a haul 62 medals and a talent rich display of prowess.

In the 12-year-old girl category Cierra Glysz continued her mastery winning gold in all six events she competed in the 200m free, 200m back, 50m & 200m breaststroke, 50m & 100m butterfly. Cierra also broke a club record for the 50m butterfly with a blazing time of :30.37. Kiara Seow also performed strongly with two gold in the 100m free and 200m IM and two bronze in the 100m breaststroke and 200m back.

The 12-year-old boys contributed as well with Andrew Beals continuing his winning ways with gold in the 200m free, 800m free and 200m IM and silver in the 100m free and 100m back. Conner Beals brought home silver in four events, the 100m breaststroke, 100m and 200m fly and 200m IM. Newcomer Aran Pourawal impressed with two gold in the 100m fly and 400m IM, silver in the 50m & 200m breast and third place in the 400m freestyle.

COBRA’s 13-year-old girls dominated the field with some great performances. Tessa Cieplucha and Hayley Lineham finished one – two in the 1500m freestyle with the first and third fastest swims in the country, respectively, this year to date. Tessa also won bronze in the 50m free while Hayley took home gold in five events consisting of the 100m back, 200m back, 100m breast, 200m breast and 200m IM. Sabrina Phongphilack had a great weekend contributing gold in the 400m and 800m free, the 50m breaststroke and the 200m butterfly as well as silver in the 100m breast and 400m IM. Viviana Choi took first in the 200m free, silvers in the 800m free, 200m IM and 400m IM and bronze in the 200m back.

The 13-year-old boys also brought home silverware with Matthew Ahola leading the charge with five medals including silver in the 100m free and 200m & 400m individual medleys and bronze in the 200m fly and 800m free. Oscar Elhanafey won silvers in the 200m breaststroke and 50m & 800m frees as well as a bronze in the 100m back while Kavinda Karunaratne won two events in the 200m IM and 800m free, and finished second in tow in the 50m breast and 400m IM.

Strong performances came in the 14-year-old girl category from all five swimmers with each of them winning at least one event. Sara McLeod won a total of six medals featuring a gold in the 400m IM. She also took second in the 200m breaststroke and 800m free as well as third in the 200m free, 100m back and 100m fly. Sarah Maddock won the gruelling 400m & 1500m freestyles, finished with silver in the 200m IM and followed with bronze in the 100m free and 400m IM. Bayley Dalbec showed mastery in freestyle winning the 200m and 800m events and also took silver in the 400m IM and 200m butterfly. Parvir Basra won the 200m back and also captured silvers in four events, the 200m free, 400m free, 1500m free and 200m fly. Not to be outdone Nimrata Virk beat all comers in the 200m IM along with winning silver medals in the 100m back and 100m fly and bronze in the 800m free.

The 14-year-olds boys answered the challenge admirably with Liam Ryan medalling in five events and Calvin Rai and Navraj Kalra medalling in four each. Liam won silvers in the 200m & 1500m freestyles and bronze in the 100m breaststroke, 400m free and 400m IM. Calvin captured silver in the 200m back and 200m breaststroke and third place medals in the 50m free and 1500m free. Navraj earned gold in both the 800m free and 200m IM while also taking second in the 400m IM and 50m breast disciplines. Jacob Ahola took home silver in both the 800m free and 200m fly races in the boys 15 and over group.

A contingent of three 15 & over girls made their way down the 401 to Pickering and returned home with swim bags heavy with medals. Natasha Cyr continued her breakout season with first place in the 800m free and second place in five others, 200m free, 400m free, 100m & 200m back, and 200m butterfly. Isabelle Francouer conquered difficult distances winning the 1500m free and finishing third in the 400m IM and teammate Stephanie Pickering easily took gold in the 200m individual medley and finished with a strong performance in the 800m free to earn silver.

Tony’s charges head into the holiday break with great performances and confidence. We should expect great things from them when they host the COBRA Cash Challenge as the team appears ready to once again own the pool!