Carr Makes A Splash

On Nov. 2, 2023, the Emily Carr swim team went to their first swim meet at the Markham Pan Am Centre. The team had a good time competing in various events against many other schools. Emily Carr swimmers made waves at the qualifying meet, with many members qualifying for the championships. With much success at the event, it left the audience with a question: how was the day for them? We have interviewed two members of the swim team to tell you all about their experience.

What was it like competing at the Pan Am Centre?

SPENCER: In my opinion, I found it very overwhelming to be at Pan Am. The pool was double the size of our normal pool, so that made it seem more intimidating.

CARLO: In my opinion, competing at the Pan Am Centre was an intimidating, yet a beneficial experience. I’ve competed many times before, but not in such a big facility, with everything: for want of a better word, down to a tee and tight. I went into the first event feeling nauseous and queasy, thinking of everything that could go wrong, but after swimming the first event, I felt significantly better.

What was the best part of the day?

SPENCER The best part of the day for me was when I had finished all my events (that were all back to back) and I was able to watch everyone else swim. I was very tired of swimming and it was nice to just sit back and watch all the people race.

CARLO: In my opinion, the best part of the day was definitely the relays. Individual events are fun, and truth be told, stressful, and relays are of course still stressful, but there’s nothing like screaming (in a friendly and encouraging and fun way) at a teammate as they swim, and being screamed at, motivated. Swimming, overall, is more of an individual sport, but relays really give it that delightful “team feel.”

What was the worst part of the day?

SPENCER: The worst part for me was three things. One was the 15 minute lunch break (definitely not enough time), and the second was having to go up and down the stairs (too many stairs when you're exhausted). The third was having my events 4-6 events apart — that was insane, way too much work for that short amount of time.

CARLO: The worst part of the day was definitely waiting for the first events. I felt better after completing the first event, I actually felt joyful, but prior to that, even on the bus ride there, I felt queasy. That queasiness stayed with me till I got on the block for the first event, but that’s where I left it.

The swim team had lots of fun and made many memories. It was a learning experience for everyone. Let’s keep cheering on our swim team as they head to their next qualifying meeting. Go Coyotes Go!

Congratulations to those who made it to championships!
Aphrodite Angelakos
Michael Angelakos
Morgane Bailey
Angad Bal
Alessia Balducci
Spencer Brodie
Justin Chau
Celina Dang
Sierra DeCarolis
Marc DeGuzman
Eve Dimitriu
Nathaniel Go
Jaytin Kumar
Dennis Lam
Alexandra Leblanc
Emily Nguyen
Carlo Papi
Alessia Prudant
Chloe Shen
Monique Tong
Yau Jimmy