With anticipation building for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, six swimmers from Brock Niagara Aquatics (BNA) are vying for coveted spots on Team Canada.

Madison Kryger, Peyton Leigh, Emma van Dyk, Camren Courchene-Carter, Jared Banta and Aidan Iapicco have qualified to compete at the 2024 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Swimming Trials in Scarborough from Monday, May 13 to Sunday, May 19.

Success at the trials would earn them a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games, 2024 Paralympic Games or the 2024 Junior Pan Pacific Championships.

This year marks a milestone for BNA, with the largest contingent of qualifiers heading to the trials since 1996.

“Their relentless work ethic sets a shining example for aspiring swimmers within the club. It’s a focused group that also knows how to have fun,” said head coach Dave Ling.

Operating under Brock Recreation, BNA has been a stalwart in the competitive swimming scene since the 1980s, developing swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Currently, the club boasts a roster of 100 athletes in its competitive program.

Training is rigorous, with swimmers visiting the Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre twice daily, before and after school. Additionally, they benefit from the Brock Sports Performance’s Athlete Performance Program, immersing themselves in a collegiate-level strength and conditioning regimen.

Hailing from Niagara Falls, Kryger stands out as one of the nation’s premier junior swimmers.

Splitting her training between BNA and Swimming Canada’s High Performance Centre – Ontario, the 15 year old is a force to be reckoned with in the 100-metre and 200-metre backstroke events.

“If all goes according to plan, Madison could secure a spot on the Canadian Olympic Team for the 200-metre backstroke,” Ling said. “She’s also a strong contender for the Junior Pan Pacific Championships in Australia this September.”

Port Colborne’s van Dyk, a Para Canadian record holder, is eyeing her maiden Paralympic appearance following her triumph at Parapan American Games. Leigh, representing Niagara-on-the-Lake, shines in freestyle and butterfly events and aspires to make the Junior National team.

Iapicco, originally from BNA and now representing the University of Waterloo, will focus on breaststroke events at the trials. Courchene-Carter, from St. Catharines, boasts a stellar record in the junior 100-metre breaststroke and will soon join Brock’s varsity swim team.

Meanwhile, Beamsville’s Banta has secured a spot at the trials in the 800-metre freestyle  and is set to join the Badgers in the fall.