A two-time Olympian provided inspiration and some useful tips to some of the city’s top swimmers.
Pan-American Games gold medalist Kierra Smith welcomed athletes from the Sungod and Winskill Dolphins swim clubs to a special training session at the Sungod Aquatic Centre over the Victoria Day Weekend.
The event included two-hours of in pool instruction on technique and skills, including her signature event – the breaststroke. Swimmers also learned more about the butterfly stroke, along with turns and other tips to help shave down personal best times. Coaches from both clubs also worked with Smith to guide the athletes through the drills and exercises.
Following the pool session, a larger group of swimmers spent an hour in a classroom environment as Smith spoke about pushing through the tough times of the competitive season, along with other important topics such as sleep, nutrition and hydration. The 29-year-old Kelowna native also talked about qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio.
Smith’s decorated career on the senior national team also included representing Canada at the 2020 Games in Toyko. She earned bronze at the 2019 FINA World Championships and added a pair of silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
