PORT ANGELES — Youth Paralympics swimming fans were treated to a national-record performance at William Shore Pool on Sunday.
The record swim came at the 2011 Penguin Express, a two day regional USA Swimming-sanctioned meet hosted by Port Angeles Swim Club and William Shore Memorial Pool on Saturday and Sunday.
About 50 swimmers from around the region competed at the meet, Steve Burke, executive director of William Shore Memorial Pool District, said.
Seattle’s Kayla Wheeler, 14, set a national Paralympics record in the 50-yard breaststroke with a time of 3:34.22.
“Kayla is the first person to be able to legally finish the event in her para category, regardless of age,” said Kayla’s swim coach, Kiko Vanzandt.
Wheeler, who does not have legs and only one arm, is on the U.S. Paralympics Swim Team and holds several national records.
In November, Wheeler will be part of the Para Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
“It was an honor to be able to host and witness such an inspirational swimmer as Kayla, and she serves as a reminder to all of us of what we can accomplish with a great attitude and lots of hard work,” Burke said.
Vanzandt complemented the William Shore Pool staff and the Port Angeles Swim Club for providing a good venue for competitive swimming for para swimmers.
The coach plans on bringing back her entire Seattle-area team of 16 swimmers next year.
“Kayla was a real inspiration to all the swimmers at the meet this weekend,” Tom Bock, president of the Port Angeles Swim Club, said.
“We are excited to host the entire para swim team from Seattle next year.”
