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Three former and current members of the Kenora Sharks Swim Club are heading to the Olympic Trials next week in Toronto.
And they are all siblings, with Gabe, Emilia, and Tazio Mastromatteo all qualifying.
Janet Hyslop is the Sharks coach and also their mother and says this is big event, especially for Gabe.
“It is a pretty marginal chance that most athletes get to the Olympics, let alone three siblings in one family,” explains Hyslop.
“For Gabe, for him the focus is a repeat. He really wants to be on that team to Paris.”
Hyslop suggests it’s pretty unique having three siblings at the same meet.
“We’ve got lots of examples where there has been two siblings at Olympic trials, but this is the first time there is three, and the fact there is two families with three is pretty incredible.”
The Ekk family from Tallahassee, Florida, who are also Canadian citizens, will also see three of their children compete at the Olympic trials in Toronto,
Tazio Mastromatteo at 16 is the youngest sibling competing, and says just making personal bests are his goal.
“Just looking to go overall faster. I’ve never experienced a big meet like this or taper going going in to it…resting and really refining what you’re doing in the pool.”
Emilia, who swims for McGill University, also says her goal to is make personal bests and get into the B finals in her events.
Tazio says he’s looking forward to joining his two other siblings in Toronto.
“No matter what happens, we’re with each other and we can have laughs or keep things pretty chill. So having siblings there makes it a lot easier.”
The Olympic Trials run from May 13th to 19th.
