The Estevan Golden Eels had a highly successful showing at the 2025 Summer Swim Provincials in Watrous over the weekend, bringing home 31 medals and shaving significant time off previous bests.
The meet featured 276 of the top swimmers from across Saskatchewan, making for a highly competitive field.
The Eels stood out despite the pressure not only for their podium finishes but also for improving their collective performance by cutting 66.71 seconds from their combined team time compared to their previous meet at semi-provincials.
Among the standout swims was Rachel Duncan’s silver-medal performance in the 100-metre breaststroke, where she shaved more than five seconds off her personal best.
“I worked really hard over the past week trying to perfect the stroke. I guess it paid off,” said Duncan. “From now on, I just need to keep working.”
While the team’s medal count was impressive, head coach and club president Scott Walton emphasized the bigger picture.
“We had an awesome swim season with some great individual performances and a lot of team success. But for me, the best part of every season is watching the kids grow, not just as talented athletes in the pool, but as young people. It’s a privilege to be part of that.
“Equally rewarding is getting to know all the amazing swim families. Our club continues to grow, and the community around this club is something really special. It’s what makes all the practices and busy weekends worth it.”
First-year swimmer Willow Van Sickle had a breakout season and capped it off with multiple golds in Watrous.
“I was nervous when I took my mark, but once I took off, I just did it,” said Van Sickle. “Once I touched the wall, I was tired and proud. Some of the races were really close, so we had to wait to see the times. Once I saw the results, I was so happy and very excited.”
First-time swim parent Chelsea Meyer, whose son Jaxton competed, also reflected on the positive environment.
“It was really nice to see the older kids helping the little ones. They were there for relays, giving tips, and cheering them on. The camaraderie between the swimmers, even with kids from other teams, really stood out.
“One of the best moments was realizing how far the swimmers had come at the mini meet. The whole provincial atmosphere was so positive. You could see how much support there was from the kids and the parents. Everyone was cheering for each other.”
Results:
