The Winkler Barracudas are gearing up for their Grand Prix Championship meet this weekend at the RCU Aquatic Centre, and excitement is high among the young swimmers. Known for their competitive spirit and team pride, the Barracudas are ready to show off their speed and skill in a series of races spanning freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke.
Asher Zacharias, 12, (a Manitoba record-holder in the 25m freestyle), Sophia Martens, 13, and Lauren Peters, 12, are looking forward to racing in multiple events, bringing both personal bests and team spirit to the pool.
Competitive program
The Barracudas are a competitive swim team participating in Swim Manitoba’s Summer Grand Prix league. Practices begin in late May and swimmers compete in meets across Manitoba starting in early July, culminating with the Grand Prix Championships in late August. .
Swimmers compete in age and gender-based categories: 8 & Under, 9 & 10, 11 & 12, 13 & 14, and 15 & Over, with ages determined by birth year.
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Expectations and preparation
The Barracudas swimmers are expected to complete a minimum of 50 meters of continuous swimming and have built foundational skills from swim lessons prior to joining the team.
Sunday's meet promises a mix of intense races and friendly competition. Swimmers like Zacharias, Martens, and Peters are prepared to showcase their talent while having fun and supporting each other. Fans can expect to see everything from sprint freestyle to the challenging butterfly, along with the team’s signature black swimsuits and caps creating a professional and cohesive look.
The Barracudas are not just about winning, they are about fostering a love for swimming, building confidence, and creating a community where young athletes thrive.