Joshua Baerg made one big splash in his international debut, representing Canada at the 2012 Pan American Games for the Deaf in Brazil.
The 16-year-old from Ladner returned home from Sao Paulo with five gold medals. The breaststroke standout captured gold in the 50, 100 and 200 metres races.
He added two more as a member of the Canadian 4x100 medley and 4x100 free relay teams.
Baerg is a member of the Winskill Dolphins Swim Club, based out of the Winskilll Aquatic Centre, where he works closely with head coach Ben Keast.
"The goal for this meet was for Josh to have fun and experience the thrills of representing his country," said Keast. "It can all be overwhelming, but Josh handled himself very well! He has some long-term ambitions and this was a solid step forward for him." The timing of Brazil was ideal for Baerg, as the Pan Am Games will better prepare him for the excitement of the 2013 Summer Deaflympics in Athens, which he has already qualified for.
Next up for the Delta secondary student is next month's Provincial Championships in Richmond then the Age Group Nationals in Calgary.
