Local swimmer Delrae Vetter speaks with CHAT Television (photo by Mitch Bach)

By Charles Lefebvre

Swimming

Local swimmer qualifies for Olympic trials

Jul 11, 2019 | 5:45 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Delrae Vetter says she was shocked, speechless and filled with utter joy when she realized what she accomplished.

The 14-year-old swimmer, who swims with the Alberta Marlin Swim club, hit the qualifying time to compete at Canadian Olympic trials next April.

She will take on some of the country’s best in the 1,500 metre freestyle event, with a ticket to Tokyo 2020 on the line.

Vetter achieved the qualifying time with a silver medal at the summer championships, and says it comes after years of self-doubt.

“I also have this other part of me saying that I’m just as good as these other girls in Quebec and Ontario, and to have this time really proves to myself and everybody that I’m just as good as anyone,” she said.

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Vetter also qualified for the Canadian Junior Championships next month and will be joined by teammate Kristin Hollingsworth.

Hollingsworth, 13, will compete against the top swimmers in the 200 metre freestyle, and is excited for the opportunity.