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VIDEO: Langley Flippers Invitational returns to Al Anderson pool

‘This is huge’

It was the first Langley Flippers Swim Club Invitational since the pandemic, and Al Anderson Pool was packed with competitors.

Amanda Whiddington, Flippers volunteer treasurer, told the Langley Advance Times the two-day event, held July 2-3, was probably one of their “biggest meets on record,” with 367 kids and 11 teams competing, some from as far away as Kamloops.

“This is the first time we’ve had a meet since 2019, so this is huge,” Whiddington commented.

“I think our youngest [competitor] is probably three and we’ve got all the way up to masters.”

Among the top Flippers finishers in their respective categories was Rose Esplen, who took four first place finishes - in the 50m freestyle, 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, and 100m freestyle.

Langley Flippers swimmer Joshua Coxford was one of 367 swimmers to compete at the club’s annual invitational, held July 2-3 at Al Anderson Pool for the first time since 2019. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)
Langley Flippers swimmer Joshua Coxford was one of 367 swimmers to compete at the club’s annual invitational, held July 2-3 at Al Anderson Pool for the first time since 2019. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)

Joshua Coxford won the 50m freestyle, Cameron Jorundson was first in the 200m individual medley and 100m butterfly, and Niko Zanatta won the 100m breastroke.

READ ALSO: Flippers Invitational to draw more than 360 swimmers to Langley City competition over Canada Day weekend

For more than 50 years, the non-profit Langley Flippers summer swim club has offered professional coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities, from novice to provincial-level competitor.

Run by an elected volunteer board of directors, the club is a member of the BC Summer Swimming Association, part of the Fraser Valley region.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Langley Flippers swim club hosts major meet

Detailed results:

Flippers swam in 80 individual final swims.

Highlights:

Lily Jorundson

- 3rd (Girls Div 4 50m Freestyle)

- 3rd (Girls Div 4 50m Butterfly)

-3rd (Girls Div 4 100m Freestyle)

Rose Esplen

- 1st (Girls Div 7 50m Freestyle)

- 1st (Girls Div 7 200m Individual Medley)

- 1st (Girls Div 7 100m Backstroke)

- 1st (Girls Div 7 100m Freestyle)

Michelle Rueff

- 3rd (Girls Div 8 50m Freestyle)

-2nd (Girls Div 8 100m Freestyle)

Joshua Coxford

- 1st (Boys Div 4 50m Freestyle)

-3rd (Boys Div 4 100m Backstroke)

Thomas Kim

- 3rd (Boys Div 4 50m Freestyle)

- 2nd (Boys Div 4 200m Individual Medley)

- 2nd (Boys Div 4 100m Freestyle)

Christopher Friesen

- 3rd (Boys Div 8 50m Freestyle)

- 2nd (Boys Div 8 100m Freestyle)

Elizabeth Dimaculangan

- 2nd (Girls 6 & Under 25m Freestyle)

Mathew Schwalme was one of several swimming buddies who helped beginners like Bodhi Pettifer take part in the Langley Flippers Swim Club annual invitational, held July 2-3 at Al Anderson Poo. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)
Mathew Schwalme was one of several swimming buddies who helped beginners like Bodhi Pettifer take part in the Langley Flippers Swim Club annual invitational, held July 2-3 at Al Anderson Poo. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)

Bodhi Pettifer

- 3rd (Boys 6 & Under 25m Freestyle)

Emma Friesen

- 3rd (Girls Div 2 100m Individual Medley)

- 2nd (Girls Div 2 50m Butterfly)

- 3rd (Girls Div 2 50m Backstroke)

Cameron Jorundson

- 1st (Boys Div 5 200m Individual Medley)

- 1st (Boys Div 5 100m Butterfly)

- 2nd (Boys Div 5 50m Butterfly)

- 2nd (Boys Div 5 100m Breaststroke)

Rachel Gao

- 2nd (Girls 6 & Under 25m Butterfly)

- 3rd (Girls 6 & Under 25m Breaststroke)

Campbell Rueff

- 3rd (Boys 6 & Under 25m Butterfly)

Chayn Betts

- 2nd (Boys Div 1 50m Backstroke)

Willem Hergesheimer

- 2nd (Boys Div 8 100m Backstroke)

Hilary Zanatta

- 1st (Girls Div 8 100m Breaststroke)

Grace Esplen

- 2nd (Girls Div 8 100m Breaststroke)

Niko Zanatta

- 1st (Boys Div 4 100m Breaststroke)

Wendy Moss

- 3rd (Girls Div 8 100m Freestyle)

Richard Hilland

- 3rd (Boys Div 8 100m Freestyle)

More photos from the event can be viewed online at the Langley Advance Times Facebook page.


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Dan Ferguson

About the Author: Dan Ferguson

Best recognized for my resemblance to St. Nick, I’m the guy you’ll often see out at community events and happenings around town.
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