A couple of local swimmers will have to build a larger trophy case after they won big at a recent event on the east coast.
Barrie Trojan Swim Club members Maddy Scott-Nichols, 13, and Evan Beatty, 14, came home from last month's North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) with a pool-sized haul of medals.
The pair returned from Halifax with an impressive 17 medals for swimming between the two of them. Scott-Nichols won eight medals (four gold, three silver and one bronze), while Beatty earned nine (two gold, six silver and one bronze).
Beatty, who flew out to Nova Scotia before his mom joined him there, said his first major competition was a real eye-opener on many levels.
“I really haven't done anything else like that before and it was a little weird being on a plane without my mom, but it wasn’t too out of the ordinary,” Beatty told BarrieToday. “I didn’t feel all that nervous at the meet; I felt at place and ready to race.”
The Games has been a multi-sport event involving Indigenous North American athletes since 1990. It is governed by the North American Indigenous Games Council, a 26-member body of representatives from the 13 provinces and territories in Canada as well as several regions in the United States.
Beatty’s mom, Trish, said her son was housed with other swimmers at Dalhousie University and the whole experience was a good one.
“They really took care of the athletes and anyone who was there to watch. It is something I’m glad Evan got to experience,” she said. “The next one is in Calgary in 2027 and he is eligible, if he qualifies.”
Scott-Nichols, Beatty’s fellow Trojan and Team Ontario member, also had a successful time at the NAIG.
And despite being one of the youngest competitors there, she says she was ready.
“Knowing I was going to be one of the youngest competitors if I was selected, I just really concentrated on my mindset and being strong at meets so that I could have the best chance,” Scott-Nichols said in email. “I found out at the end of April that I was selected to represent Team Ontario, and that was a really proud moment for me."
Swimming since she was nine years old and heading into her fifth season of competitive swimming, Scott-Nichols says there's a lot she enjoys about the sport.
"It's calming. When you are under the water, you cannot hear anything," said the Essa Township resident. "I also love that it's a sport that has a team aspect, but also a personal development aspect. I am always competing against myself and trying to take seconds off my own time."
Beatty, who lives in Elmvale and will start Grade 9 at Innisdale Secondary School in Barrie next month, explained his passion for the sport and his future goals.
“Now that I have been doing it for a while, I just like betting better,” he said. “I enjoy the backstroke and freestyle the most. I hope to maybe one day get a scholarship and I am aiming to make it to the Olympics and swim for the country one day.”
Scott-Nichols will also be attending Innisdale, but not for another year.
