The Ocean Mile Swim made a strong comeback after missing for two years due to COVID-19.
The 62nd annual swim, held Aug. 21, at the waterfront in Qualicum Beach drew more than 50 participants from all over Vancouver Island, as well as Vancouver, Alberta and Australia.
The fastest swimmer of the day was Glen Christensen from Courtenay, who finished the distance in an time of 26 minutes and nine seconds. He was presented with the overall Craig Reid Trophy and also the Jubilee Chalice for finishing first in 46-55 years age group.
The fastest swimmer for District 69 was Fischer Swanson of Qualicum Beach, who crossed the finish line in a time of 28:05 to win the Barb McDonald Alberg Trophy and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 Trophy for finishing first in the 14-18 years age group.
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The top lady swimmer was Stephanie Guy from Australia, who posted a time of 28:20 to clinch the J.C. Bailey Trophy.
And in the open class category, the top placer was Grant Giles from Victoria, who finished the mile swim in 32:20 to take the Kwalikum Cup.
A new award was offered this year in honour of Elizabeth Hieronymi for the first senior woman to cross the finish line. The inaugural trophy was won by Betty Perkins of Ladysmith in a time of 55:43.
The other winners were:
• Youngest Swimmer: Eden Segal, Nanaimo, 42:41 (O.H. Rye Trophy)
• Most Senior Swimmer: Barry Graham, Courtenay, 46:06 (Commissions Cup)
• 1st 13 and under: Eden Segal, Nanaimo, 42:41 (John Nicholls Memorial Trophy)
• 1st 19 to 25 years: Kendra Dunn, Grand Prairie, 39:13 (Ron Pearce Memorial Trophy)
• 1st 26 to 35 years: Brandon Warren, Victoria, 26:12 (Hugh Reid Trophy)
• 1st 36 to 45 years: Byron Trajan, Nanaimo, 27:25 (Bavaro Autobody & Glass Trophy)
• 1st 56 to 64 years: Darren Karpiuk, Nanaimo, 34:06 (Doug Taylor Memorial Cup)
• 1st 65 years and over: Steve Middleton, Nanaimo, 35:13 (Herbert J. Welch Memorial Trophy)
The event is held annually for more than 60 years now. It’s staged by the Town of Qualicum Beach in partnership with the Regional District of Nanaimo. Organizers would like to thank volunteers and organizations that helped with the event including the RCMP Police boat, Coast Guard, Streamkeepers, Dragonfly SUP and RDN volunteers including the Leaders in Training. And also for volunteer Matt Breedlove for emceeing the event.
— NEWS Staff