Competing in the 29th Defi Sportif competition in Montreal, Avery Newton made a splash winning five medals.
The member of the KISU swim club won gold in the S14 category for the 200-IM, 100-metre fly and 50-m fly while earning silver in the 100-m backstroke and bronze in the 100-m freestyle. After experiencing nerves the first day, Newton settled down and enjoyed the experience.
“It was really tough,” said Newton of the events.
While competing, Newton’s only focus was to do her best, which she said she did and was proud of that. She also credited coach Jane Bentley, who worked her hard during training. Newton is at the Penticton Community Centre pool six days a week, for one to two hours each time.
“She’s a really awesome coach,” said Newton. “First time with her, I didn’t know strokes well and she improved me.”
Her strokes were an area Newton felt she continued improving on during the competition, especially the butterfly.Newton said she enjoyed her time in Montreal because she made new friends. Her main goal entering 2013 is to qualify for the Canada Games.