It Was Once Upon a Time in Hollywood for the Saskatoon Goldfins

The Saskatoon Goldfins Swim Club embarked on a journey worthy of the silver screen at the 2026 Cascade Swimming International – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, held from May 28 to 31 in Calgary, Alberta. This event saw over 450 swimmers from 16 teams, including top contenders from Western Canada and the USA, competing in a dazzling display of aquatic prowess. The Goldfins, with a cast of 35 talented swimmers, delivered performances that could rival any Hollywood blockbuster.

Rising Stars and Medal Moments

Under the spotlight, the Goldfins swimmers collected a total of five individual medals, showcasing their talent and dedication. In a starring role, Zeyah Flemming captured the gold in the 800 Freestyle, a performance that would surely earn a standing ovation from any audience. Farrah Aitken and Oliver Wruck added silver to the Goldfins' trophy cabinet in the 400 Freestyle and 1500 Freestyle, respectively, while both also secured bronze in the 800 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke, providing a thrilling narrative of perseverance and skill.

Personal Bests: A Box Office Hit

The Goldfins swimmers achieved 89 personal best long course times, an impressive feat that reflects the hard work and dedication of each athlete. Zeyah Flemming, in particular, delivered a perfect performance, achieving 100% personal best times—a feat that speaks volumes of her commitment and talent.

The Most Improved Performances: A Tale of Transformation

In the realm of improvement, Dakota Wigness stole the scene with an 11.0% improvement in the 100 Breaststroke, carving out a time of “-10.70.” Following closely, Josh Block demonstrated his incredible speed with a 10.2% improvement in the 50 Freestyle, clocking in at “-3.18.” Gillian Grayston rounded out the top three with a 6.8% improvement in the 400 Individual Medley, improving by “-26.74.”

Qualifying Time Standards: New Horizons Await

The Goldfins swimmers also set the stage for future successes, posting 18 new Provincial Championships qualifying time standards. Binh An Nguyen's performance in the 100 Breaststroke met the 2026 Alberta Long Course Championships Qualifying Time Standards, while several swimmers achieved Swim Saskatchewan AA and A Long Course Qualifying Time Standards—setting them on a path for future triumphs.

Swim Saskatchewan AA Long Course Qualifying Time Standards:

Farrah Aitken                             800 Freestyle

Cori Biberdorf                           200 Freestyle

Kasey Biberdorf                        200 Backstroke, 100 Freestyle

Josh Block                                  50 Backstroke

Carsyn Busa                              50 Fly

Zeyah Flemming                      50 Fly

Gillian Grayston                       400 Individual Medley

Cameron Harms                      100 Fly, 100 Freestyle

Emmy Hoffmann                      50 Breaststroke

Piper Lejbak                               50 Fly

Will Sothilingam                       50 Backstroke

Brette White                              100 Backstroke

Swim Saskatchewan A Long Course Qualifying Time Standards:

Sidney Goodwin                       50 Breaststroke

Ella Reiter                                   50 Backstroke

Everett Rempel                         50 Backstroke

Acknowledgments and Future Endeavors

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Cascade Swim Club for hosting this cinematic event, and to the Goldfins Team Chaperons, Toto Magsuci and Christina Eynck, for their invaluable support throughout the weekend.

With the credits rolling on their Hollywood adventure, the Goldfins Swim Club eagerly anticipates their next appearances at the 2026 KCS June Classic Invitational in Kamloops, B.C., and the 2026 Mel Zajac International in Vancouver, B.C., from June 5 to 7. As their journey continues, we expect more dazzling performances and memorable moments.

#GoldfinsRacing

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