Madison Broad has completed her first race at the Olympic trials in Toronto, and she has managed to squeeze into the ‘B’ finals for tonight.
The 15-year-old Chatham Y Pool Sharks swimmer finished her morning swim in the 6th heat of the 100-metre backstroke with a time of 1:03.33.
The result placed her 22nd overall and out of contention to compete in the finals.
However, her coach Kyle Pinsonneault got an unexpected call.
“Just got the call that two people scratched,” Pinsonneault told the Sydenham Current.
“She is in the finals.”
Pinsonneault said Maddy did a great job on Wednesday morning.
“For a 15-year old girl to qualify for Olympic Trials is a huge accomplishment,” he said.
“She should be so proud. I know as her coach, I am so proud on how she swam. She went a 1.03.33 which again is still one of her faster swims. It was not what we were looking for, but again she is 15-years old so this experience is one that is needed to ensure a successful swimming career.”
The pool was fast this morning in Toronto, as a Canadian record fell before Madison raced.
Kylie Masse set the Canadian mark in her heat.
New Canadian Record in the Women’s 100 back for WEST/UT’s @Kjmasse in 59.17! #RioTrials #SwimON
— Swim Ontario (@SwimOntario) 6 April 2016
The Wallaceburg teen had the stands packed with her fans as well, now known as the “Broad Squad.”
Check out a couple of the photos from social media:
The Sydenham Current interviewed Madison on Tuesday, here is our story: Swimming toward her Olympic dream
The finals get underway at 6 p.m. in Toronto.
Watch for more coverage following Madison’s next race.
