(ISN) - Victoria swimmers Eric Hedlin and Keegan Zanatta took second and third respectively in the 17 and over 800 freestyle at the Canadian Western Championships swimming competition in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg swimmers won two of the four distance freestyle races on Thursday to open the Speedo Canadian Western Championships swimming competition.

In the men’s 16 and under 800 freestyle, Wyatt Yarish of Winnipeg was the winner in a personal best 8:06.53 with Sterling King of Prince George, B.C., second and Jonathon Brown of Calgary third.  

‘’My goal was a medal but I was hoping for a win,’’ said Yarish, who improved his personal best by 16 seconds.  ‘’The first half of my race much better than usual.  And I felt a lot better racing in my home pool.’’

In the women’s 1,500-meter freestyle for 16 and over Breanne Siwicki of Winnipeg took the gold in 16 minutes and 22.21 seconds finishing ahead of Tyra Rooney of Calgary second in 16:36.98 and Sherry Liu of New Westminster, B.C.

Thirteen-year-old Sophia Saroukian of Edmonton won the 15 and under 1500 freestyle race.

In the 17 and over 800 freestyle, Sean Penhale of Calgary was the victor in 8:01.29 edging Eric Hedlin of Victoria second in 8:01.82.  Keegan Zanatta of Victoria was third in 8:03.15.

Competition continues until Sunday.

Full results on-line at: https://swimming.ca/liveresults/12speedowestern/
 
About the Speedo Western Championships

The Speedo Western Championships brings together a great mix of Canada’s senior, youth and junior swimmers.  This regional competition is held annually in February in various cities throughout Western Canada and is held on the same weekend as the Speedo Eastern Championships. In 2012, the competition will be hosted in Pan Am Pool, February 16th -19th.  This short course competition serves as an excellent racing and development opportunity for Youth and Junior competitors.