It’s safe to say it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for now 13 year-old Kamloops swimmer Mia Wittal.
The young phenom has been blossoming as a sprint swimmer. At the recent Kamloops Classics Pratt’s Spring Fling meet last month at the TCC, Wittal set the fastest ever Canadian time for a 12 year-old in the 50M butterfly surpassing decorated Canadian Olympian Summer McIntosh.
But it was a technicality that voided the record time of 28.32 seconds.
“I was devastated… really upset,” said Wittal from her home this week.
Wittal’s time didn’t count because the race was in a mixed-gender heat. While local results would stand, the mark did not count to the governing body Swim Canada.
Mia’s Mom Danielle says it was a tough couple of weeks.
“It’s really hard to see your kid upset,” Danielle told NL Sports.
But all hope wasn’t lost. There would be one more chance to set the record mark just days before her 13 year-old birthday in a May 12th race in Kelowna hosted by the Kelowna Aquajets Swim Club.
Submitted by Wittal family
“I had another chance, and hope started filling me up,” Mia said optimistically.
“It was completely her choice to swim again,” said Danielle.
“Both (my husband) Wayne and I are really proud to see her persevere.”
Mia was ready for her opportunity that would come just three weeks after the Kamloops meet.
“I don’t think I was nervous. I was more thankful for the opportunity. I knew I could do it, I just had to swim it and get (the fastest time) again.
In that May 12th 50M butterfly swim Mia would do it again – identically. The time of 28.32 was the same time she posted at the Pratt’s Spring Fling in Kamloops last month, meaning she would claim hold to the fastest mark once again.
Submitted by Wittal family
While Summer McIntosh is the premiere Canadian female swimmer, Mia hopes to continue to chase her records as she gets older.
“I’ve never met (Summer). I know a lot about her accomplishments. She’s been to the Olympics, medaled and holds a lot of records.”
That’s the path that Mia wants to follow.
“I want to swim in the Olympics, and I want to medal. That would be my dream.”
