Toronto's Chetrat, Russell golden on Day of Canadian swim trials

MONTREAL - University of Toronto Varsity Blues swimmers Zack Chetrat and Colin Russell were both crowned Canadian champions on Day 1 of the Pan Pacific championship trials and spring nationals swimming competition in Montreal.

As members of the Canadian national team, the duo earn an automatic berth into the Pan Pacific championships this August in Long Beach, California.

Zach Chetrat of Oakville, Ont., captured his first Canadian title with a victory in the men’s 200-metre butterfly clocking 1:58.97. He upset Canadian record-holder Stefan Hirniak of Victoria (1:59.44), while David Dimitrov of Calgary was third (2:02.35).

“Zack's swim was inspiring,” said Varsity Blues head coach Byron MacDonald. "It’s exciting anytime you get a swimmer winning their first-ever national title and he did it in style - swimming his best time by over three seconds.”

The 2010 OUA and CIS male swimmer of the year, Russell (Burlington, Ont.) also earned his third consecutive title in the men’s 200 freestyle in a time of 1:48.35 to edge Brian Johns of Vancouver (1:48.91) and Blake Worsley of Victoria (1:50.25).

The new high performance swimming centre, established at the University of Toronto this past fall, is already reaping rewards. Australian swim guru, John Rodgers, brought his international coaching experience to the centre when he was hired and has guided Chetrat to the biggest win of his young career.

"Strategy was a key component in both wins today," said Macdonald "We decided that Colin was to take the lead at the 3/4 point of the race, while Chetrat was to wait until closer to the end - both worked brilliantly.'

Competition continues Thursday, April 1 with prelims at 10 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m.

Full Results

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Source:

Toronto Sports Info