Looking to make a splash
By Melissa Piche Times Contributor
Photo Courtesy of Renee Kardash
A dedicated swimmer since the age of five, Charlie Yorston has been making significant waves in the competitive swimming scene.
As a member of the Strathmore Silver Sharks Swim Club, her commitment and hard work have led to remarkable achievements, including qualifying for the Jr. Canadian National/Olympic Trials.
Her exceptional performance at the 2024 RE/MAX Elk Valley Fall Blast in B.C. qualified her for provincials.
At the 2024 RE/MAX Elk Valley Fall Blast in B.C., she secured first place in all her events, including the 50-metre butterfly, 50-metre freestyle, 100-metre breaststroke, 200-metre individual medley, 50-metre backstroke and 50-metre breaststroke.
“Training every single day, multiple times a day,” said Yorston of her vigorous training schedule and the dedication she puts forth to qualify for bigger events.
Yorston’s journey in swimming began over a decade ago, sparked by regular visits to the local pool with her brother.
Her daily routine typically involves morning and afternoon training sessions balanced with her school commitments. She usually trains six days a week, taking Sundays off if she’s not competing.
In the past year, Yorston faced a significant challenge when she broke her ankle sidelining her for almost an entire season. Through dedicated physiotherapy and unwavering determination, she made a strong comeback showcasing her resilience and passion for the sport.
“Seeing my progress every single day and seeing how much stronger and faster I’ve been getting pushes me to want to know how good I can get,” she said.
Looking ahead Yorston has her sights set on the provincial championships March 20-23. Her recent qualifying times have also opened the door to the Junior Olympic trials marking a significant milestone in her swimming career. Beyond these immediate goals she aspires to swim at the university level and ultimately represent Canada at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Yorston’s journey is supported by a dedicated coaching team including her main coach Jessica Williams-Kathol who has been instrumental in her development. The Strathmore Silver Sharks Swim Club, under the guidance of head coach Lexi Sidorenko, continues to provide a nurturing environment for swimmers like Yorston to thrive.