After a long stretch of pandemic-limited swimming, Glacier Swim Club members are back in the water and giving it their all.
In a recent inter-squad trial, one swimmer set a team record, while 75% of swimmers set personal records, said team parent Shireen Taintor in an email.
“Amy Liddle broke the team record in the 11/12 girls 200 backstroke by 3 seconds at 2:17:19,” Taintor said. “(The) former record was by Ciera Kelly in 2009.”
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A number of swimmers also qualified for the Alaska Age Group Championship, will will take place In February, Taintor said. And there are plenty of swimmers vying for the spots.
“The club currently has over 100 active athletes, plus about 25 master swimmers, and 40-plus pre competitive swimmers. Another 25 or more are expected after high school season. While the club is slightly below 5-year averages for number of swimmers, it is in good shape.”
GSC is at about its regular strength, even after pools being shut down for a length of time before being partially reopened, Taintor said.
“GSC has been able to manage the pandemic. After the initial shut down in the spring of 2020, the club was out of the water for four months, but still kept swimmers in shape with at home workouts,” Taintor said. “There were limited training times for an additional 6 months, but have been in the water since.”
With the club able to resume practices, Taintor said, it’s the lack of meets that’s most noticeable.
“Swimmers have missed out on many competitions, however, and are just starting to have limited travel/competition opportunities,” Taintor said. “The lack of swim lessons in Juneau over the last two years has also inhibited GSC’s growth, but overall continues to have strong numbers.”
A number of swimmers scored only first place finishes in the recent inter-squad time trial, Taintor said, including A.Z. Cristobal, Ellie Cullum, Amy Liddle, Sam Pallenberg, Valerie Peimann, Andrew Sanders, and Brook Taintor.
The next tryouts for the GSC will be held on Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m. at both local pools, Taintor said.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
