The Sault Surge Aquatic Team's recent performance at the ABLE Energy Thunderbolts Grand Prix 2026 in Thunder Bay is a testament to their dedication and skill. With a collective 234 personal best times and 76 medals, the team showcased their prowess in the pool. The event, held at the Canada Games Sportsplex pool, featured over 400 athletes from 13 clubs, including some from Minnesota and North Dakota. The Surge finished third overall in the gold medal tally, behind the host Thunderbolts and the Riptide swim club from Apple Valley, Minnesota. This performance is particularly impressive given the competition, as both the Riptides and Thunderbolts had over 70 swimmers, giving the Sault Surge the edge in the overall best performing team category for the highest average score per swimmer. The team's success is a result of the hard work and talent of its members, with several swimmers setting personal best times and club records. Sophia Li and Emma Vallee each won 6 gold medals, with Vallee earning the overall high point trophy for the girls 13-14 age group. Blake Krivan, 10, also earned high point trophies and set a club record for his time in the 100m backstroke. Asher Leask, 10, swam to gold 4 times and set club records in the 50m and 100m butterfly events. Lenden Ellis, 15, Bo Mackay, 9, and Sofia Naquitquitan, 9, each won gold medals in their respective age groups in individual events. Mackenna O'Leary, 15, Angela Thomson, 13, and Giorgia Valle, 14, also had strong individual performances, swimming to personal best times more than 10 times each. The team's success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they continue to train for future competitions, including the regional B championships in Timmins and the 2nd annual black vs purple time trial at home. Several team members have also qualified for the Ontario Swimming Championships in Toronto in July, further showcasing their talent and potential. The Sault Surge Aquatic Team's performance at the ABLE Energy Thunderbolts Grand Prix 2026 is a source of pride for the community and a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.
