Lindsay Puhalski excels at Olympic trials

NEWS RELEASE
THUNDERBOLTS SWIM CLUB
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Last week 19-year-old ThunderBolt Lindsay Puhalski competed in the Canadian Swimming Olympic Trials in Toronto at the Pan American Sports Centre. 
 
The only ThunderBolt to qualify for Olympic Trials and the first one to do so in many years, Lindsay swam the 100 meter butterfly, 200 meter Individual Medley and 400 meter Individual Medley events.   
 
“Training the last year has been difficult and challenging”, stated a satisfied Lindsay Puhalski.  Puhalski spent part of last year training at the New Mexico State University where she is attending university on a full swimming scholarship.  “Since returning home, due to Covid-19 restrictions I have only been able to train five times a week, with few teammates to push me. Also, I was unable to train long course as we were only allowed to train at Churchill Pool”, added Puhalski.  
 
Despite the challenges Puhalski broke a 45-year-old ThunderBolt club record in the 100 meter butterfly.  She further qualified for the finals in the 400 Individual Medley where she competed against the country’s best individual medley swimmers.  “I am happy on how I did and I want to thank my family and friends for all the support”, stated a smiling Puhalski. 
 
“I wasn’t expecting to qualify for the final – in the 400 IM – despite the pressure and my nerves – it felt awesome walking on to the deck as my name was announced.  Competing among other  Canadian elite swimmers – it felt special”, added Puhalski. “Experiences like this motivate me to double my efforts.  I can’t wait to get back to training with my ThunderBolt teammates and at New Mexico State!” 
 
ThunderBolt Head Coach John McLeod was able to travel to Toronto, with his swimmer to watch her swim.  “Lindsay had to overcome many challenging and unexpected obstacles the last two years and to race in the finals and get a club record is a testament to her dedication and resilience in this sport,” stated a very happy Coach McLeod.