With a total of 43 swimmers representing the Nickel City Aquatics on hand for the NEOR (Northeastern Ontario Region) #1 Meet in Sault Ste Marie last weekend, podium finishes were a given.

Still, the combined total of 80 medals collected, including 78 in individual races, provided for a more than encouraging start of the 2023-2024 season for the local club.

Thomas Goodall (2013) led the way in the gold medal category, accounting for 20% of the NCA total with first place finishes in the 50m backstroke (50.01), 50m breaststroke (58.99), 50m butterfly (1:05.90), 100m individual medley (2:00.50) and the 200m freestyle (3:49.90).

Jake Vanderydt (2011) went three for three in winning his events (50m backstroke - 38.49; 50m butterfly - 39.66; 100m individual medley - 1:28.5), while Declan Coyne (2010 - 50m backstroke; 50m breaststroke), James Mongeon (2008 - 100m & 200m butterfly), Charles Richardson (2014 - 25m freestyle; 25m backstroke) and Noah Snider (2013 - 100m breaststroke; 400m freestyle).

Noah McGregor (2010) also enjoyed a very busy weekend of visits to the podium, racking up one gold, six silver and a bronze while Madison Veevers (2008 - gold in 100m I.M.; silver in 100m backstroke) and Sophie Stott (2013 - two silver; two bronze) were among the top conbtributors for the NCA women's team.

The local crew also amassed six gold medals in the relays and now prepare to host a smaller Top Fish Meet at the Howard Armstrong Pool on in Hanmer on November 5th.