Jade Hannah, 14, breaks 40-year-old provincial swimming record
CBC News | Posted: February 21, 2016 3:43 PM | Last Updated: February 21, 2016
Provincial record in women's 100-metre freestyle was held by Olympian Nancy Garapick since 1976
Jade Hannah, a 14-year-old from Halifax, has broken a 40-year-old provincial record in the women's 100-metre freestyle at a competition in Montreal.
"It was pretty exciting that I did it," said Hannah, a member of the Trojan Aquatic Club.
"I felt pretty tired, but accomplished, because I put a lot of work and training into that and I'm glad the result turned out how it did."
She broke Nancy Garapick's 1976 provincial record with a time of 59.06 at the Speedo Eastern Canadian Open on Friday night.
Garapick, who was also a member of the Trojan Aquatic Club, won a bronze medal in both the 100 and 200-metre backstroke at the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976, according to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
"For Jade to take one of those down, particularly after 40 years, it's a record older than I am, it's a great swim for her," said Chris Stone, the Trojan's head coach.
Young swimmer has big plans
Although Hannah broke the provincial record she only placed 11th overall in the 100-metre freestyle.
She did win a bronze in the 100-metre butterfly event, and a silver medal in the 200-metre backstroke
"She's great, she's a very hard worker, very diligent in her training, very attentive and wants to succeed in and out of the pool and is putting in lots of great work to do so," said Stone.
Hannah said she's been swimming since she was five years old and loves being in the water.
"When I'm in the water I just feel free and there's no stress or anything on me," said Hannah
Her ultimate goal is to go to the Olympics and win a medal.
She will attend Olympic trials this April to try and qualify for the Rio Olympics this summer.