Otters capture second place at regional swim meet
Published 5:30 am Tuesday, March 10, 2026
The Smithers Spring Swim Meet brought together 81 athletes from across the Northwest, including swimmers from Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, and Smithers.
Held on Feb 28 and March 1, the BV Otters, who hosted, came in second place.
“We had a strong presence at the meet, with 45 swimmers competing, an increase of 16 athletes compared to last year’s participation,” said head coach Amanda deWit.
“As coaches, we are extremely proud of all of our athletes. It is incredibly rewarding to watch their hard work in the pool translate into strong performances and personal achievements at competition. Many swimmers met personal goals and demonstrated great determination throughout the meet.”
Two of the athletes, Sawyer Preston and Miah Zandberg, achieved qualifying times for Divisionals, which deWit said was an exciting milestone in their competitive season.
“The success of the meet reflects the dedication of our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families who support the program throughout the season,” she said, adding that hosting events like this provides valuable racing experience for swimmers and helps strengthen the swimming community across Northwest B.C.
“We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success and look forward to building on this momentum as the season continues.”
The Otters now turn their attention to the upcoming Spring Session, beginning April 7.
“If anyone is interested in joining the Bulkley Valley Otters, we encourage you to reach out to schedule a swimmer assessment and learn more about the program,” said deWit.
