Led by Canadian deaf record holders Joshua Baerg and Thomas Osborn, the squad that will represent Canada at the 2015 World Deaf Swimming Championship has been announced. Four men will be traveling to San Antonio, Texas for the event, the largest international deaf swimming competition outside of the Deaflympics.
Canadian World Deaf Swimming Championships Roster:
Joshua Baerg (19, Delta BC, University of Lethbridge)
Thomas Osborn (18, Winnipeg MB, University of Manitoba)
Damiano Panetta (18, Vaughn, ON, McMaster University)
Brandon Van Wyk (20, Brantford ON, University of Waterloo)
Baerg is the Canadian record in the 50m breast, boasting a 31.99. He has best times of 1:12.30 and 2:37.54 in the 100 and 200 breastroke.
(Thomas Osborn via Canadian Deaf Sports Association)
A 2013 Deaflympian, Osborn is the current record holder in the SCM 50 fly, with a 27.20. He has medaled for Canada in the freestlye events, as well as the 200 I.M. at the Deaf Pan Am Games. This year, he’s already swum a 25.51 in to 50 free, not far off the Deaf Swimming Canada record of 25.13. His versatility makes him a solid medley swimmer, with a personal best 2:24.20 in the 200m I.M.
Panetta focuses on the distance races. The young swimmer has top times of 4:43.10, 9:50.29, and 18:53.95 in the 400, 800, and 1500.
In the sprint freestyle event, Van Wyk’s personal bests are 26.72 and 59.95. He’s also a solid breaststroke, with a 1:18.83 in the 100 breast.
Newly appointed CDSA National Swimming Head Coach Judy Baker is pleased to be working with this dedicated group of young men. “I am looking forward to this opportunity to get to know more about deaf swimming at this premier international deaf competition” says Baker, a former Olympic swimmer for Canada. Baker added: “This is a young, talented team and we hope to use this event to build the Canadian deaf swimming program as we work towards the 2017 Deaflympics”.
Swimming news courtesy of Canadian Deaf Sports Association