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AWESOME ACHIEVEMENT – Whitehorse swimmer Rennes Lindsay, right, stands on the podium after earning bronze in the 800 free at the national age group championships.

Lindsay scores double bronze at swim nationals

Rennes Lindsay once again made waves for the Yukon last weekend, swimming to two bronze medals at age group nationals.

By Whitehorse Star on August 7, 2015

Rennes Lindsay once again made waves for the Yukon last weekend, swimming to two bronze medals at age group nationals.

The 12-year-old up-and-coming star earned bronze in both the 400- and 800-metre freestyle swims, achieving personal-best times in both events.

She and her 14-year-old sister, Cassis Lindsay, were the only two Yukon swimmers competing at the 2015 Canadian Age Group Swimming Championships in Quebec City, held July 29 to Aug. 2.

Competing in her first age group nationals, Rennes Lindsay swam in five finals en route to her medals.

Swim coach Malwina Bukszowana said her freestyle swims were nothing short of amazing.

“Her tactics were very good,” Bukszowana said. “She knew how to race it and when to attack to place herself high in the final. With her great finishes, she was able to hold it.”

In the 400 free, the Yukoner finished in 4:41.39, behind golden girl Brooklyn Douthwright of New Brunswick (4:39.97) and runner-up Kyla Nelson of Alberta (4:40.07).

Then in the 800, Rennes Lindsay finished third again in 9:49.67, seconds behind gold medallist Amy Meharg of Ontario (9:39.17) and silver medallist Sophie Lorette of B.C. (9:43.68).

She went on to finish fourth in the 400 individual medley, setting a new club record.

While Rennes Lindsay pocketed medals, her older sister put together several personal-best performances.

Cassis Lindsay drew from her experience at last year’s age group nationals in Winnipeg, powering to a final swim in the 50 free, finishing ninth.

“Finals and medals are a big achievement for both swimmers coming from Whitehorse,” said Bukszowana, noting it’s tough to find competition alongside the lack of a 50-m long course pool.

In the 50 fly, she missed out on breaking the legendary Alexandra Gabor’s club record by milliseconds.

“Cassis is a hard-working swimmer who is willing to improve, make changes and she thinks a lot during every practice,” said Bukszowana.

“After the whole season of strict training, she deserves every final.”

Both Lindsay sisters logged impressive seasons for the Whitehorse Glacier Bears swim team.

“I had a feeling that we might do not bad in Quebec, that we will have some best times and maybe a final, but it was a big and a nice surprise for me to see the girls performing that well,” Bukszowana said.

Following nationals, the Lindsays enjoyed a short family in holiday in Quebec. While Rennes Lindsay’s season is now over, Cassis Lindsay will join Luke Bakica as the territory’s swimmers at the Western Canada Summer Games.

Last month, the swim sisters took home bronze medals from the 2015 B.C. AAA Long Course Championships and B.C. Open Water Championships. Next season, Bukszowana hopes to field swimmers in the open water event at age group nationals.

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