UBC thunderbirds Dominate Canada West Swimming Championships After Day 2
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds are firmly in the lead at the 2025 Canada West Swimming Championships, continuing a strong performance on both the men’s adn women’s sides after two days of competition. UBC swimmers secured gold medals in 11 of 14 events on Thursday, accompanied by the breaking of several conference records.
In the overall team standings, the T-Birds boast a commanding lead with 707.5 points on the women’s side and 719.5 points on the men’s. The Calgary Dinos are their closest competitors, trailing with 496.5 and 529.5 points respectively.
Record-Breaking Performances Highlight Day 2
The evening’s events kicked off with a new Canada West record in the women’s 50m freestyle, set by UBC’s Kayla Sanchez with a time of 23.90. This marks another record for Sanchez, surpassing her previous best set in 2024. Calgary’s Eliza Housman finished second (25.35), while Ella Howe of the University of Manitoba secured her team’s first medal of the championship with a time of 25.50.
In the men’s 50m freestyle, Yuri Kisil claimed the top spot, finishing in 21.50 and shattering his own 2017 record of 21.78. His teammate,Frank Ho,clinched second place (22.62), and Gibson Black from the Dinos rounded out the podium with a time of 22.65.
calgary’s Alexanne Lepage continued her impressive form, winning her second gold medal of the competition in the women’s 400m individual medley with a time of 4:41.05.Sarah Haugen, also from Calgary, finished second (4:48.54), while UBC’s Lindsay Gordon secured third place (4:54.68).
UBC dominated the men’s 400m individual medley, taking the first and second positions on the podium.Aiden Kirk claimed gold with a time of 4:14.69, followed by teammate Jaques Harrison (4:15.96). Carter Scheffel earned 16 points for the Dinos with a time of 4:20.23.
Podium Sweeps and Tight Finishes
The Thunderbirds showcased their depth in the women’s 100m butterfly, achieving a complete podium sweep. Selah Wist earned gold in 1:00.00, closely followed by teammates Keir Oglivie secured third place (1:49.10).
The Thunderbirds concluded the day with record-breaking performances in both the 400m freestyle relays. The women’s team smashed their previous record,finishing in 3:36.54, while the men’s team completed the race in 3:14.90.
The 2025 Canada West Swimming Championships will conclude on Sunday, with preliminary heats beginning at 8:00 a.m. and finals at 3:00 p.m.(PT). .
Team Scores (as of Day 2)
WOMEN
UBC – 707.5
Calgary – 496.5
Victoria – 286
Lethbridge – 223
Manitoba – 117
Regina – 93
MEN
UBC – 719.5
Calgary – 529.5
Victoria – 283
Lethbridge – 192
Manitoba – 112
Regina – 79
