Local athlete uses nationals as tune-up for provincial meet
Vernon’s swimming community had reason to take notice after Brea Duncan, a para swimmer with the Vernon Kokanee Swim Club who lives in Armstrong, advanced to the finals in all three of her events at the Bell Speedo Canadian Swimming Trials held July 5–9 at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.
Duncan finished seventh in both the 100‑metre backstroke and the 50‑metre freestyle, and placed ninth in the 100‑metre breaststroke. The national trials — a high-profile meet that featured numerous Canadian records and an international world record in the women's 200‑metre butterfly — served as a competitive preparation block ahead of the B.C. swim championships.
“It was a very exciting event with multiple Canadian records that were broken, as well as (Canadian Olympic medalist) Summer McIntosh’s world record in the 200 (metre) butterfly,”
— Jocelyn Duncan, Brea’s mother
What the results mean for Vernon swimmers
The timing of Duncan’s performance is significant locally. The Kokanee Swim Club has several athletes who used the Montreal meet to sharpen competitive form before heading to the B.C. championships in Kamloops this weekend. For Duncan, reaching three national finals offers measurable progress against the high standard of Canadian para swimming and provides race experience under pressure.
- Event finals reached: 100m backstroke (7th), 50m freestyle (7th), 100m breaststroke (9th).
- Next competition: B.C. swim championships in Kamloops (this weekend).
- Broader context: National trials were marked by record performances, including a world record by Summer McIntosh.
Another Vernon-area swimmer had reason to celebrate at the same national trials. Alexanne Lepage qualified at the nationals for Team Canada and will compete at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in California from Aug. 12–15.
| Swimmer | Club / Residence | National result | Upcoming meet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brea Duncan | Vernon Kokanee (Armstrong) | 7th (100m back), 7th (50m free), 9th (100m breast) | B.C. championships, Kamloops (this weekend) |
| Alexanne Lepage | Vernon | Qualified for Team Canada | Pan Pacific Championships, California (Aug. 12–15) |
For local coaches and parents, national-level meets like the Bell Speedo trials function as both a benchmark and a development opportunity. Times and placings at such events inform final selections, training emphasis and race strategy heading into provincial and international competitions.
The Kokanee Swim Club's contingent competing in Kamloops this weekend will aim to convert the momentum and race experience gained in Montreal into podiums and qualifying times at the B.C. championships.
