The Eastern Canadian Swim Championships begin today at Gatineau, Quebec and among the competitors will be Owen Sound Aquatic Club member Chris Hatcher.
To this point, Hatcher, swimming for the St Mary’s Mustangs, has had a pretty good week already, winning the District 10 Senior Boys individual title at the meet staged in Guelph at the university pool.
But in fairness, Hatcher will readily admit the races in front of him over the next couple of days at Gatineau carry far more significance.
Overall, Hatcher will compete in 5 disciplines; 3 backstroke races, a freestyle and an individual medley.
Speaking to Chris before he departed for Quebec it was apparent he has a tight focus on what he wants to accomplish and what he thinks he can accomplish.
In reverse order of importance, Hatcher thinks he has a shot a lowering some Owen Sound Aquatic Club records at the meet. He already holds 20 or so club records, but he hopes to lower several marks in the 15 & over boys division.
Second, he has a stated goal of getting to the final, being in the top 8 in all 5 races he’s entered in.
And most significantly, Hatcher wants to post swim times that will allow him to advance further to the Canadian Senior Championships which also serve as an Olympic Trial.
According to Chris, and by my recollection, only 2 Owen Sound swimmers have ever made it to the Senior Nationals, so Hatcher’s goal is certainly ambitious.
I’m Fred Wallace