Goldfins Launch the 2027 Saskatchewan Racing Series with a Splash
Here at home in Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Goldfins Swim Club marked a dynamic start to the 2027 swim season by hosting the initial meet of the Saskatchewan Racing Series #1. This event was notably significant as it was the first North Division meet in the series, accommodating both Masters and Age Group swimmers, thereby offering a comprehensive platform for athletes across different stages of their swimming careers.
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the club had the pleasure of welcoming fellow Saskatchewan age group swim clubs: Meadow Lake Manta Rays, Prince Albert Sharks, and Saskatoon Lasers Swim Club. With 140 swimmers engaging in over 390 individual events, the meet was a vibrant gathering of talent and determination. For many participants, this competition not only served as their season debut but also represented their first foray into competitive swimming.
Jennifer Robinson, the Goldfins General, shared the club's enthusiasm for hosting the series of developmental meets, highlighting the nurturing environment it creates for emerging swimmers. She underscored the collaborative efforts with Swim Saskatchewan to establish a supportive framework for competitive swimming across the province, noting that nine Racing Series events are sanctioned for this season.
Reflecting on the meet's achievements, the Goldfins celebrated numerous personal and collective triumphs. A standout moment was Isaac Xie's accomplishment of his first Swim Saskatchewan – Senior Provincial Time Standard (AA) in the 50M Breaststroke, qualifying him for the 2027 Man/SK Senior Provincial Championships. Similarly, Bronwen Friggstad, Scarlett Highway, Anna Kim, and Hannah Ngo achieved their first Junior Provincial Time Standards.
The Goldfins showcased substantial participation with 86 swimmers, achieving a remarkable 196 personal best times in short course competitions. Impressively, 44 swimmers attained 100% personal best times, demonstrating the effectiveness of their preparation and dedication: Audrey Anderson, Oliver Bi, McKinley Bowman, Max Chau, Zoe Chi, Tessa Diaz Donovan, Lucas Duan, James Ellis, Bronwen Friggstad, Kassia Gartner, Josie Gauld, Aoife Gibbons, David Goncharov, Zelda Grebinski Ramler, Olive Gregoire, Scarlett Highway, George Jungwirth, Anna Kim, Jackson LaBine, Penelope LaBine, Andy Li, RickLi, Rosalie Madziar, Max Magsuci, Rory Mah, Aishleen Mundi, Hannah Ngo, Viet Tri Nguyen, Zoey Painchaud, Miguel Perches, Stone Phippard, Alice Saganski, Owen Saganski, Alec Sothilingam, Jenny Sun, Abigail Takagi, Lucas Tse, Tyler Tse, Liam Veikle, Anni Wigness, Isaac Xie, Yolanda Xu, Bella Zhang, and Grace Zhang.
Goldfins’ Top 3 Most Improved Short Course Events:
Jenny Sun 50 Fly 31.2 % Improvement -21.84
Lucas Duan 50 Breaststroke 28.1% Improvement -18.83
McKinley Bowman 50 Breaststroke 25.8% Improvement -22.28
Tessa Diaz Donovan 50 Fly 25.8% Improvement -17.56
The Saskatoon Goldfins swimmers posted 11 new Swim Saskatchewan Provincial Time Standards:
Saskatchewan AA Short Course Provincial Qualifying Time Standard:
Isaac Xie 50 Breaststroke
Saskatchewan A Short Course Provincial Qualifying Time Standards:
Bronwen Friggstad 100 Backstroke
Scarlett Highway 50 Freestyle
Anna Kim 50 Breaststroke
Jackson LaBine 400 Freestyle
Max Magsuci 50 Breaststroke, 50 Freestyle
Hannah Ngo 50 Freestyle
Zoey Painchaud 100 Freestyle
Isaac Xie 50 Freestyle
Lucy Yang 50 Breaststroke
2027 Saskatchewan Racing Series #1 Results
2027 Saskatchewan Masters Racing Series #1 Results
Goldfins swimmers set a total of 4 swim meet records.
50M Fly
Girls 10 & U: Aoife Gibbons – 43.58
100M Individual Medley
Girls 11 – 12: Aishleen Mundi – 1:28.57
50M Breaststroke
Girls 11 – 12: Aishleen Mundi – 41.85
Men 13 & O: Isaac Xie – 37.78
The success of the event was significantly bolstered by the dedicated efforts of Goldfins parents serving as officials and volunteers. Special thanks are extended to individuals such as Tori Veikle, Nicole Gillis-Fehr, Robin Mowat, Toto Magsuci, and senior officials: Kristy Ruzesky, Ryan Lejbak, Ryan MacGillivray, Dustin Bartlett and Jessica Bailey, as well as Randall Keays and Kirsten Dyck for their refereeing roles.
The Goldfins Swim Club looks forward to their next event, the Goldfins 50th Invitational, scheduled for October 22 – 25, 2026, at the Shaw Centre in Saskatoon, SK. With such a promising start, the club anticipates continued success and development in the upcoming meets. Go Goldfins Go!
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