‘Unique’ Freeze or Fry returns for 69th year

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The Freeze of Fry is primarily a developmental meet, meaning it’s the last one of the season for younger swimmers.

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For a couple members of the U of C Dinos swim club, however, it’s just the beginning.

“First of all, I’m really grateful to the organizers of the meet for having us here,” said 16-year-old Aiden Norman. “This opportunity will help us build toward our upcoming competition in Hawaii. Competition is competition, so the more racing you do, the better you get.”

Norman and fellow 16-year-old teammate Lorne Wigginton, who were attending their first Freeze or Fry, are headed to the Aloha State at the end of August for the Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.

Aiden Norman (right) and teammate Lorne Wigginton, with the U of C Dinos swim club, competed at their first Freeze or Fry ahead of the Junior Pan Pacific Championships. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

“It’s really just a lot of fun. Going to those high-level meets is where there’s a lot of stress, and then to come here and just have fun with other kids, it’s a nice break from the norm,” said Wigginton. “I was one of those younger kids once, watching the older ones, so I do try to set an example for them and show them how fun it can be.”

For the pair, it’ll be their first time representing Canada later this summer, and they each have sights set on the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

“I want to leave the sport knowing I did everything to reach my potential,” Norman added.

As for Catalina, 10 swimmers, which is unusually high, have qualified for the nationals later this summer, including Abbi Bahler, Elle Couture, Myles Grant, Delaney Lehman, Jaden DeBrujin, Dalton Powell, Madison Wiens, Noah Thomas and Cooper Waddle, plus Isaac Bahler who’ll swim in the relays.

Waddle and Abbi Bahler will also compete for Team Alberta at the Canada Summer Games this August in Niagara.

The outdoor pool downtown remains closed to the public through Sunday as the Freeze or Fry — a two-day event — wraps up.