Rob Pehura, head coach of the Central Plain Sea Lions, says his club is celebrating as two of its swimmers have secured spots on Team Manitoba for the upcoming Canada Games.
"We got two on," he says. "Anika Dyck and Carson Pehura both made the team. It wasn’t even close. They weren’t inched in, they’re solid on that team."
Pehura notes both athletes are the only rural swimmers outside the perimeter to qualify this year.
Long wait for official news
Pehura explains that swimmers were kept in suspense longer than expected as selection letters were delayed.
"They sent letters out towards the end of the day on Tuesday," he says. "Carson was on pins and needles because they were flip-flopping on the criteria he was going to get on. But it was just a matter of how he was going to get on, and Annika got on."
Cadet secured her spot thanks to a standout performance at the Golden Plains meet, particularly in the 200-metre freestyle. Both athletes are expected to compete in a full slate of events, including multiple relay races.
"They’ll probably swim five or six events," he adds. "Annika's likely swimming backstroke, freestyle, and butterfly. Carson’s swimming butterfly and free."
Manitoba team flies to St. John’s in August
Pehura says the first phase of the Canada Games takes place in August.
"They’re going to fly out on the eighth to St. John’s," he says. "The competition starts on the 10th and runs for five days."
Both swimmers are expected to compete daily, with their individual events spread throughout the meet along with their relay races. Perhura highlights the excitement of joining top swimmers from across the province and country for relays, something the local team rarely experiences.
Selection delays tied to national changes
Pehura explains Manitoba was the last province to finalize its team, largely due to shifting criteria and Swim Canada changes.
"Most provinces had their teams in place since February or March," he says. "Originally, they wanted the team picked by the end of March, but Swim Canada made some changes and got rid of long course."
Manitoba’s decision to base selections on long-course performances pushed final selections into late May.
"It was wait, wait, wait," Perhira continues. "But now, the wait’s over. They’re both good to go."
Swimmer relieved after months of uncertainty
Carson Pehura, currently in Grade 11, says he's thrilled the selection process is finally behind him.
"We’re leaving. There’s no more stress about worrying about getting on the team," he says. "I’m pretty happy about it."
He explains that the delayed decision created months of stress, making it difficult to plan his summer or schedule work hours.
"It’s been a long wait, and it’s annoying," he adds. "I couldn’t make any plans in the summer because I didn’t know if I was going or not."
Personal goal finally reached
Carson reflects on his growth since watching the team announcement for the last Canada Games in 2022.
"When I saw them release the team in 2022, I never thought that I would make the next team," he says. "I wanted to, but I wasn’t that good back then. I’m really happy that I made the team."
He adds that both he and Anika Dyck feel relieved now that selections are official.
"She was on the cusp, so she didn’t know if she was gonna make it or not," he says. "It’s good for her, too. We have two Sea Lions on the team."
Looking ahead to tough national competition
Pehura says he knows tough competition lies ahead, but he’s ready for the challenge.
"I hope to do well out there," he says. "I know it’s going to be a stressful meet, but I hope that I make the most out of it and have fun."
Among the swimmers he expects to face is a national record holder.
"Law Kim, if he’s there, he’s a national record holder in like pretty much everything," he says. "He’s fast."
Pehura notes he’s seen other top swimmers at events like Edmonton Open and Mel Zajac International Meet, and expects strong competition across the board.
"There’s going to be fast swimmers out there this year," he adds.
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