Jaren LeFranc and Tyler Wall have accomplished a first for KISU swimmers.
LeFranc has been carded by Swimming Canada, while Wall is one of six Canadians to receive the Victor Davis Memorial Bursary.
“It was pretty exciting. I didn’t get the email at the beginning of the season so I didn’t think I was going to get it. I was really happy about it,” said LeFranc. “That was my goal for the last year to make that time, to get that time. It was good that I was able to get it.”
LeFranc got carded after achieving the time required in the 200-metre breaststroke, which he completed in Kamloops last December in two minutes, 16.09 seconds. That ranks him 10th in Canada, which includes university swimmers. Being carded by Swimming Canada places LeFranc on the radar as a development swimmer with national team potential. LeFranc will receive a monthly stipend to assist with his swimming expenses and a contribution for his tuition when he attends the University of British Columbia and competes with the Thunderbirds.
“It’s pretty amazing. It’s just a big help, especially with travel. That is big with swimming,” said LeFranc.
READ MORE:Lefranc shines with Team B.C.
Earning a spot on the national team is something he thinks about and he says the money will help in pursuing that.
LeFranc said his decision to attend UBC and join the Thunderbirds was easy.
“Especially when I did the campus tour, and signed with the team, it just felt like home,” he said. “They have a good program (Currently ranked No. 1 in U Sports). They got a new pool too. The coaches are amazing.”
Wall was shocked to be named a recipient of the Victor Davis Memorial Bursary. His mother worked on the application for two weeks.
“I was pretty excited,” said Wall, who is in Grade 10.
READ MORE:KISU swimmer has record-setting performances
The bursary comes with financial help for training, education and the pursuit of excellence at the international level. Wall said the money will be a big help to get him to more meets as there were some last year he was unable to attend. The Swimming Canada website states that a large percentage of the bursary winners have moved on to become members of the Canadian national team and represent Canada at the Olympics and other international events. To be eligible, swimmers must have recorded a national qualifying time or better during the year. Applicants must intend to further their education and swim competitively.
“I’m pretty proud of how well they did. It puts them in with a very exclusive club of swimmers within the country,” said coach Tina Hoeben, adding this will bring good recognition to KISU.
Hoeben added this shows the support Swimming Canada has for the athletes in their program.
“It’s really great that they are being recognized and supported in that way. That they can pursue their dreams,” she said.