Evan Letkeman, currently in Grade 12 at GNS, is swimming into unchartered waters—and it is a wonderful thing. In March, he qualified for the Canadian swimming trials for a place in the team that will, ultimately, head to the World Championships in Barcelona this summer.

These trials are ongoing, this week, at the Saanich Commonwealth Pool; Swimming Canada describes them as their “flagship event of the Spring. Canada’s best swimmers will race to represent the country at the FINA World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona” [July 19 – August 4].

Letkeman will be participating in three events: the 200m butterfly; a 400m individual medley; and the 200m backstroke. Currently in the top 30 in the men’s category, provincially (an impressive ranking, given that the age range is 16-25), Letkeman is very humble in his expectations. “I hope to improve my times,” said Letkeman, “as well as to move up in the provincial and national rankings.”

Before his Grade 12 year, Letkeman considered the year upcoming and decided upon a major goal: to meet the Senior National Standard times in his chosen events. After his coach allowed him to perform in a time-trial, Letkeman met this goal and thus qualified for this week’s major event.

“I have dedicated quite a bit of time to swimming, for many years,” he said. Letkeman started swimming competitively at the age of 9 and has followed a very rigorous routine since then. “I train at least 9 times per week—most days before and after school, with each session lasting at least two hours.”

Letkeman was also generous in his praise of his two swim instructors: Peter Vizsolyi, currently Head Coach of the UVic Swimming team, as well as Ron Jacks—recognized as one of the top coaches in Canada.

Letkeman already has been accepted at the University of Alberta, but is still weighing his options as he contemplates a very bright future—in and out of the pool. Best of luck to Evan this week, and a warm congratulations to him from the GNS community.