By Brady Ratzlaff

Grande Prairie swimmer two-time national champion

Jul 31, 2018 | 4:21 PM

A member of the Grande Prairie Piranhas Swim Club is a two-time national champion.

Fourteen-year-old Catherine Minic captured the gold in the 100 and 200-metre butterfly at junior nationals over the weekend in Winnipeg. She says this year’s competition was tough.

“There were some really good swimmers in all events that I raced in. Even making it on the podium took a good, best time and a lot of effort. It was not just a walk in the park. Got to try as hard as you can.”

In addition to the two golds, Minic won the bronze in the 200 and 400-metre individual medley as well as the 1.5km open water swim.

This is the third year she has competed at junior nationals.

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“The first year it was my first big meet, so I was pretty nervous,” said Minic. “Last year as well, I was out of age at 13 and I was competing in the 13/14 age category. This year I was at the top of my age group and was the best year of all. I was able to get some more medals and even take the title of national champion.”

She adds she couldn’t have done it without three special people in her life.

“I’m really thankful that I have awesome parents and an awesome coach to help me get through everything in swimming, through bad races, to the pool, and to help me get to where I am now.”

She swam in a total of nine events.

Minic says this was the best way to cap off the swimming season and looks forward to getting back in the pool come late August.