THUNDER BAY -- Megan Carlson knows this weekend will be the end of one chapter in her swimming career.
The 18-year-old Thunder Bay Thunderbolt is competing in the Northwestern Ontario Regional Championships swim meet for the final time after taking part for the past decade.
“It’s definitely going to be a little emotional because it’s the last one,” she said shortly before her first race.
“I’ve been coming to this meet for about nine years now and I’ve had some big accomplishments happen here.”
The meet, which kicked off Friday afternoon at the Canada Games Complex, features about 170 athletes representing clubs from across the region, including Dryden, Fort Frances and Marathon.
Carlson is hoping she can add a few more accomplishments to her resume by the time the weekend comes to a close. She’s looking to achieve qualifying standard times for age group nationals.
Her time with the Thunderbolts led to a scholarship offer from Lynn University in Florida, where she will be attending next fall.
“Swimming has opened so many doors for me and it has been awesome,” she said. “To be able to swim in the States is going to be such a great experience.”
The path that Carlson has travelled has caught the attention of other club members.
Aminah Feres, 15, is also hoping to hit some qualifying times during the weekend. In addition to looking to qualify for age group nationals, she’s looking to earn a senior national qualifying time in the 50-metre butterfly.
She would like to continue towards getting an opportunity to pursue the sport at a higher level.
“I’m hoping to get a scholarship to somewhere in the States, hopefully Minneapolis,” she said. “I definitely want to carry this on.”
Kathryn McEwan, Thunderbolts age group coach, said the meet is one of the highlights of the year for the club.
The athletes have to travel to attend most of their competitions so it’s special to race in front of family and friends, especially for those just starting.
“All week the kids have been buzzing, especially the little ones,” McEwan said. “It’s their first meet and are so excited to be here this weekend and race for the first time.”
The meet continues Saturday with a morning and afternoon session before concluding Sunday morning.
