New Years Cup 2026

A Strong Start to the Long Course Season

The second weekend of the year marked the ESWIM New Years Cup, our first long course (50m) meet of the season. This meet is an important milestone for our swimmers, providing an opportunity to establish new baselines, apply the work being done in training, and begin the journey toward the major competitions later in the year.

Across all groups, swimmers were encouraged to approach racing with intent- planning their races, trusting their preparation, and staying committed to the processes we value as a club. The emphasis was on execution, learning, and effort, rather than chasing times or outcomes. This approach reflects our belief that consistent habits, discipline, and attention to detail are what ultimately lead to long-term success.

The atmosphere on deck was outstanding. Swimmers supported one another with energy, positivity, and respect- particularly our younger athletes, whose enthusiastic cheering and team spirit set a strong example of what it means to represent ESWIM with pride.

Top B Highlights

Coach Bianca

The Top B swimmers had an excellent start to the year at their first long course meet. For many, this was their first opportunity to race long course this season, and they embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, confidence, and a willingness to learn.

Both new and returning swimmers showed clear commitment to skill development, focusing on strokes, turns, and finishes- key areas emphasized in training. Just as importantly, they demonstrated strong teamwork, positive deck behaviour, and respect for teammates and competitors alike. It was a fantastic display of effort, attitude, and coachability to kick off the season.

Junior A Progress

Coach Felixe

The New Years Cup highlighted the mental resilience and growing maturity of our Junior A swimmers. From navigating the demands of the first long course competition of the season to managing back-to-back races, athletes stayed focused on technique, race execution, and finishing each swim with purpose.

Junior A achieved:

• 2 new Div 1 qualifiers

• 1 new OAG qualifier

More importantly, swimmers showed an ability to stay composed, reflect between races, and apply feedback- behaviours that align directly with our expectations around accountability and continuous improvement. This meet provides a strong platform as we move toward championship season.

Youth A and Youth B Development

Coach Arman

This meet marked the first long course competition of the season for both Youth A and Youth B and served as an important learning experience as we reset expectations from short course racing.

Several swimmers achieved OAG and OSC standards, with some meeting long course standards for the first time in a 50m pool. The focus remained on quality racing, skill execution, and racing with intent rather than simply chasing times.

Clear technical progress was evident, particularly in crossover turns and underwater kicking- areas that require patience, repetition, and attention to detail. Swimmers were also challenged to race a wide range of events, from sprint to distance, reinforcing versatility, adaptability, and confidence across the program.

Age Group Success Across the Board

Coach Dave

P1 began the long course season strongly, demonstrating how much progress has been made since OSC 2025. Improved skills, a positive mindset, and a clear commitment to process were consistent throughout the meet.

Junior B returned from the winter break racing with confidence and curiosity, with several swimmers experiencing long course competition for the first time. This group quickly learned that long course racing presents new challenges and requires fresh baselines, patience, and a willingness to reset expectations- an important lesson in long-term athlete development.

Top A, P2, and P3 all delivered strong performances, highlighting the continued growth of a high-quality age group foundation within the club. The process-driven, skill-focused approach across these groups is beginning to show clear and sustainable results.

Overall, the New Years Cup was a highly successful three days of racing. More than results, the meet reflected the behaviours we value at ESWIM: preparation, effort, respect, teamwork, and a commitment to getting better each day. This sets a strong tone and momentum as we move toward the first championship meets of the season.

Thank you to Rocket and York Swimming Clubs for providing excellent competition throughout the meet. And a big thank you to all the officials who made awesome for the athletes.

GOESWIM