Casey Kruse, a Strathmore swimmer, brought home five gold medals from the Special Olympics Alberta Provincial Games.
The event took place between July 11 and 13 in Grande Prairie, with Kruse taking home gold in the 100 and 200-metre individual medleys, the 200-metre freestyle, and the 50 and 100-metre backstroke.
"I would say it was surprising, but it wasn't as surprising as I thought. I saw how this year went," said Kruse. "I did some things I'd have never expected I would do, and in finals, I turned it around."
Following the win, Kruse is now gearing up to take part in the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in St. John's, Newfoundland.
"This is my first ever Olympics, so I'm very excited about it," added Kruse. "I swam with masters and two groups, so there's a lot of training, about five to six days a week."
Although the Summer Games mark the end of the season for Kruse, she expects to receive word in September on whether or not she's been invited to join the national team.
"I'd be going to Medicine Hat. It would be interesting, and I don't really know what to expect. I've never made it this far in my Special Olympics career."
Kruse wasn't the only Strathmore athlete to take home a medal from the games. Luc Harris also participated in powerlifting, winning a gold medal in his weight category and lifting several personal bests.
"I'm hoping to be named to Team Alberta to represent the province in the National Special Olympics Summer Games in Medicine Hat next summer," said Harris.
It's been a strong season for Kruse, winning gold medals at other Special Olympics swim meets and breaking club records in winter provincials.
Kruse cites Summer McIntosh as her athletic inspiration.