EDMONTON – Cole Pratt of Calgary was a triple winner on Friday at the 2019 Speedo Western Nationals swimming competition.

Pratt earned victories in the men’s 14-16 age group 100-m freestyle in 51.07, the open 50-m backstroke in 26.06 and the open 50-m butterfly in 25.05. After two days of competition, the 16-year-old Pratt has five individual wins and one relay triumph.

Emma O’Croinin of Edmonton is keeping pace with Pratt at five wins after placing first in two more races on Friday. She was first in the women’s 13-15 100-m freestyle in 56.70 and the 400-m IM in 4:55.66. She also has two relay victories.

In the women’s 16 and over races, Kyla Leibel of Red Deer, Alta., notched her first two wins with gold in the open 50-m fly in 27.46 and 100-m free in 55.98.

‘’I felt the races went well,’’ said Leibel. ‘’We’re working on being a little stronger and more efficient in my stroke and I thought I did a good job on that front.’’

Also new to the winner’s circle was Apollo Hess of Lethbridge, Alta., first in the men’s 14-16 100-m breaststroke in 1:05.25.

‘’It felt good to get back here and get the win,’’ he said.  ‘’I knew I needed to stay long and glide to the front of my stroke and that helped me get the best time.’’

Competition continues through to Sunday at the Kinsmen Centre.

Full results: http://results.teamunify.com/canosc/2019_Westerns/