Sailing through the water, there was a record-breaking performance for the Humboldt Hammerheads as they hosted provincial qualifying for northern Saskatchewan.

"It was the last swim before the lunch break. Michael Carnago broke the 100 metre backstroke record. He took 19 hundredths of a second off the previous provincial record," Coach Leisl Lefebvre said.

Carnago has been a long time standout with the Hammerheads, and is one of - if not the top swimmer in the province.

Lefebvre says the semi-final meet was set-up as a typical playoff atmosphere, where you need to do well in order to continue on.

"This was the only time they had a chance to qualify for a secondary meet. If they don't happen to swim a good race, don't place well, they don't get to swim that race in provincials. It's a one shot deal."

For the Hammerheads, it was a typical swim meet, with the entire competing team off to Regina for provincials.

"All 33 of our swimmers that entered qualified in atleast one race. Some of them qualified in multiple races," Lefebvre explained.

"We had some real surprises coming out of the pool. Some personal best times, which is what I am always gearing the kids towards because not everyone wins a gold medal, but if you are improving your personal time, that is also an excellent swim."

Provincials will take place August 6-7 in Regina, and coming off a strong season, Lefebvre says that the team's confidence is through the roof.

"Even though they may have swam their personal best and are feeling good, they are aware of what their southern competition has done as well," she noted. "Confidence is really high and I congratulated them at practice for working as hard as they have been and reminded them that we're not quite done yet, we still have more work to do."

For most, the competitive slate takes a break, but for nine Hammerheads, they head to Estevan for the Saskatchewan Summer Games.

Lefebvre, who is the coach for Team Prairie Central's swim team, says that it will be her third time going to the games.

"It's still a memory that comes up easily. I can give them stories and tell them what it is like and that is what I am looking forward to for our swimmers."

It is the first time for Lefebvre attending the games as a coach. She has been there as a volunteer as well as an athlete.

Competition at the games begins on Thursday and runs until Saturday.


You can hear more from Lefebvre below.