Katie Cosgriffe secured Canada’s first gold medal at the Para Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Walnut, California, by dominating the women’s multi-class 100m backstroke final. The 20-year-old from Burlington, Ontario, clinched the victory with a season-best time of 1:08.1, earning 962 points for her outstanding performance. In the multi-class event, winners are determined based on a points system that considers how close a swimmer’s time is to the world record standard for their specific class. Cosgriffe expressed her elation at the win, highlighting her focus on swimming her own race without expectations. This triumph marked her first international gold medal and served as preparation for the upcoming Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Cosgriffe also earned a silver medal in the 100 butterfly, setting a new Canadian and Americas S10 record with a time of 1:05.77. Despite missing her target time, she emphasized the significance of concluding her challenging season with a gold and silver medal. The Canadian swimmer’s exceptional performance added to Canada’s total of nine medals at the competition, including two gold, six silver, and one bronze. Cosgriffe’s success in the backstroke and butterfly events showcased her versatility and determination as she strives for further achievements in her swimming career.
On the men’s side, Nicholas Bennett secured his second medal of the meet by claiming silver in the 200m individual medley. The 22-year-old from Parksville, British Columbia, narrowly missed the gold, accumulating 1,020 points with a time of 2:07.63. Bennett’s impressive performance followed his silver in the 200m freestyle earlier in the competition, demonstrating his consistency and competitive spirit. The Para Pan Pacific Swimming Championships provided a platform for athletes like Bennett to showcase their talents and set the stage for future success in international competitions.
Furthermore, Nicolas-Guy Turbide lowered his own Canadian record in the 100m backstroke, achieving a time of 1:00.49 in the consolation final. The 29-year-old from Québec City viewed the event as an opportunity to adapt to outdoor conditions similar to those expected at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Turbide’s record-breaking swim reflected his determination and readiness to excel on the international stage, setting a positive tone for his future endeavors. The championships not only celebrated the athletes’ achievements but also served as a stepping stone towards their aspirations at upcoming major competitions, like the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.
