Canada's Soo Y Dolphins Make Waves in U.S. Swim League
The Soo Y Dolphins are making a splash in the competitive swimming world, with standout performances from swimmers Victoria Gardner and Mackenna O'Leary.
At the Rudyard Invitational swim meet in Michigan on November 22, the team showcased their talent across all age categories, earning multiple top finishes.
Victoria Gardner, aged 12, and Mackenna O'Leary, aged 15, are shining stars on the team.
Victoria dominated the 11- and 12-year-old category, winning first place in both the 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard individual medley, and securing second place in the 50-yard breaststroke.
Victoria's journey into competitive swimming began with synchronized swimming, and she's now a dedicated student at St. Francis French Immersion Catholic School. Her ambition is to continue swimming throughout high school and beyond, aiming to join the swim team at Lake Superior State University and secure a scholarship.
John Gardner, Victoria's father and assistant coach, is thrilled with his daughter's progress, stating, 'She's great and constantly impresses us in every tournament.'
Mackenna O'Leary, a Grade 10 student at St. Mary's College, has always been a talented swimmer. She recalled, 'When I was little, I would swim with the other kids but was more advanced. While they learned simple freestyle, I was doing the backstroke.'
Inspired by competitive swimmers on TV, Mackenna, who is Indigenous, aims to represent her heritage and compete in the North American Indigenous Games, set to take place in 2027.
Both swimmers attended a Nike swim camp, and Mackenna's age qualifies her for the NCAA drafting pool, where colleges can scout her talent. John O'Leary, Mackenna's father and coach, expressed his hope for her to secure a scholarship.
The Soo Y Dolphins, with 25 registered swimmers, are in a rebuilding phase, with the youngest swimmer aged six and the oldest aged 15. The team welcomes swimmers up to the age of 18 and competes in the Michigan Team Swim League, the only Canadian representation in the league.
Coach [Name] believes the team is destined for success, stating, 'I feel very strongly that this team is going to dominate. I love it because these swimmers are not just representing the Sault; they're representing their country.'
The Dolphins will compete in Michigan communities like Gaylord, Rudyard, and Alpena in December before resuming their season in January.
