First time’s the charm for Kennadie Sheppard of Chemainus.
Sheppard, who turns 11 in May, entered her first Swim B.C. Provincial meet in Penticton and enjoyed great success in Tier 1 girls 10 and under competition.
She won gold in the 50 metre freestyle, silver for the 1,500 free and bronze medals in the 100 free and 100 back.
The distance events were not done at the Tier 1 meet due to time limitations. The top three times in those events by the meet deadline were awarded first, second and third, including Sheppard’s 1,500.
In addition, she finished fourth for the 100 breast and 200 back, seventh in the 400 free and eighth in the 200 free. All races went directly to finals.
“I felt like it was a good experience for me to get better in my technique and have good competition,” Sheppard said.
She faced some talented swimmers in all events that pushed her to perform at her best.
“I found out I have to go a lot faster in some races,” Sheppard noted. “Other people pace themselves. It was a good learning experience.”
The meet featured 340 kids up to the 12 and under division. Some of the swimmers may have already turned 13 depending on their birthdate.
The only disappointment for Sheppard was a disqualification in the 200 breast.
“It was my first-ever DQ,” she pointed out. “It was kind of nerve-wracking.”
Sheppard will soon begin gearing up for her first International meet, leaving April 2 for the Far Westerns Championships in Santa Clara, California that includes other swimmers from Canada, the United States and Mexico.
“I haven’t really started tapering or anything yet,” she indicated. “I’m about to start.
“I think I can go far in Far Westerns. I can achieve my goals I set.”