Markus Thormeyer solidified his status as one of the rising stars on Canada’s swim team with a hat trick of victories at the 55th annual Mel Zajac Jr. International.
The 20-year-old from Tsawwassen was in his home pool at the UBC Aquatic Centre and thrived against world class competition.
He opened the competition on Friday by winning the 200-metre backstroke in a meet record time of 1:58.14, edging Quest Swimming's Clark Beach (1:58:58). The American had broken the old mark in earlier qualifying heats.
"When he set the record this morning in prelims I told myself - tonight if I'm going to win I'm going to have to break that meet record,” said Thormeyer. “The stands are packed, my teammates are loud in here at UBC and it's just great all around.”
The former Winskill Dolphins Swim Club standout then captured the 50-metre backstroke event on Saturday with time of 25.81 seconds.
However, he saved his best for last on Sunday, thrilling a capacity crowd by capturing the 100-metre freestyle in a clocking of 49.59 to edge American star Caeleb Dressel (49.58) who happens to be the current world champion in the event. UBC teammate Yuri Kisil was third.
“I think it's a huge confidence booster, seeing where I am relative to the best in the world now and moving forward," said the South Delta Secondary graduate. "Maybe this summer I can apply what I've learned here and make even bigger steps. I was focusing tonight on the 100 back so I didn't touch the wall expecting to win.”
Thormeyer completed his busy weekend by winning the 100-metre backstroke B-final in a meet record the of 54.75.
“When you bring the best in the world into an event like this it only raises the game of our own swimmers and Markus absolutely stepped up his game," said UBC head coach Steve Price. "He's had a banner few months with the Commonwealth Games medal and all his great results at U SPORTS Championships.”
With files from Aneesa Heatherington of UBC Communications.
