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Wednesday, February 7, 2007 · Page 20 Young Olympian swam against world's best BY DANIEL SCHWAB After feeding kangaroos at a wildlife reservation, aking a dip in the warm outh Pacific and earning wo 7th place standings in he Australian Youth lympic Festival, 14-yearld Victoria Myers returned ome to Essex last month. She spent 16 days at the vent, spending her first eek in training and a secnd at the University of ydney's Olympic Village, wimming competitively in ive races against some of he best young swimmers in he world. Her time of 1:15:43 in the 00 metre breaststroke and :44:16 in the 200 metre reaststroke earned the uture Olympic hopeful an mpressive 7th place standng among top junior swimers. Although the competitive oungster says she was a litle bit off her best time in the events, her stay in the land down under was still quite a memorable one. "I was able to swim in the finals for Canada which was really cool," said Myers, one of the team's youngest athletes. She said she enjoyed meeting swimmers from all parts of the world and was interested to see their different styles and training methods. "With a lot of the athletes, we got along really well because we had a lot in common," she said. "You would think we wouldn't because we're from so many different places but because we're all athletes, we have a lot of stuff in common." The sociable swimmer also bonded well with members of Team Canada. "We got to know each other really well because we trained and lived with each other for two weeks," she said. "Almost every night we had people in finals, which was really awesome." Myers knew some of the athletes recruited to the team already from previous meets. Since the age of 10, she has been swimming competitively. She began at the Essex Recreation Complex and soon after joined the Windsor Aquatic Club. A year and a half in, she was selected to swim in her first national competition. After that, she began swimming regularly in tournaments of all sizes, from small invitationals to junior and senior provincial competitions. From that early age, Myers has been setting her sights on the highest goal for any amateur athlete ­ the Olympics. She said that having witnessed the medal ceremonies and flag raisings in Team Canada swimmers Lindsay Seeman of Newmarket, left, and Victoria Myers of Essex take a minute to pose for a photo during the Australian Youth Olympic Festival two weeks ago. Myers placed 7th in the world in both the 100 and 200 metre breaststroke events. Avoid The Dog House, Australia just makes her even more want to "get the real experience." When China hosts the 2008 games, Myers will be 15. For now, she's setting her sights on the Canadian national competition in Victoria, B.C. next month. She hopes to shave some time off her personal bests in the 100 and 200 metre breaststrokes in the meantime. SEND FLOWERS! Essex Home Hardware Floral Department · Floral arrangements for all occasions · Weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries or just because · Your full service florist · We deliver everywhere · Specializing in wedding designs · See our selection of candles & giftware 47 WILSON AVENUE, ESSEX · (519) 776-4646 If you see news happening or if you have a story or photo idea, please call "Over 40 Years of Experience Serving You!" 776-4268 essexfreepress@on.aibn.com