MEDICINE HAT, AB — Every great athlete has their pre-competition routine.
It’s what they depend on to get them ‘in the moment’, pushing them to the top against everyone else who’s pulling them down.
And that’s no different for Jaiden Riddell, the starling swimmer for the Medicine Hat Waves.
Along with visualizing how he wants his race to pan out, the 12-year-old throws his headphones on to get himself pumped up.
“I listen to pop music, rap music, anything really,” he said, laughing through a cheerful smile. “90’s rock music. I jam out to music before I warm up as well.”
It’s certainly working.
Riddell was influential in his team’s first ever provincial championship title, which was won earlier this month at the Alberta Spring Championships in Edmonton.
“He’s on this path and the other kids are looking up to him,” said assistant-head coach for the Waves Carla Schafer. “Now they want that kind of success as well.”
Riddell, who’s widely recognized as one of Alberta’s fastest swimmers in his age group, took home four medals, including silver in the 50 and 100 meter backstroke and 50 meter freestyle. He won a majority of the Waves total points at Spring Championships, ultimately leading to his team’s first banner in it’s 10-year-history.
He’s up against stiff competition from swimmers across the province, but he says his own teammates play the biggest roll in dropping his times.
“I really enjoy all the people in the club, they’re really nice, and they motivate me. I also motivate them,” he added.
13-year-old Aaron Kruger is feeding off that motivation. Although Riddell’s contribution at Spring Championships was detrimental to winning, Kruger’s results were critical as well.
The young swimmer qualified for four final heats, a huge improvement from his first appearance at the meet last year. Those qualifications granted the Waves enough points to tick into top spot over Fort McMurray by five points.
“The first time I went, I wasn’t even close to getting a medal,” said Kruger. “This time I was fifth place in some events, and that’s pretty good for me.”
“Aaron is a great, great teammate,” added Carla. “He makes everyone laugh, but he also pushes everyone. He keeps it light, but overall that group is so close. Wonderful kids.”
CHAT-TV would like to express a huge congratulations to the Medicine Hat Waves for the outstanding accomplishment.
