Fort Macleod's Dallas Walker wins six medals at lifesaving sport nationals
Fort Macleod’s Dallas Walker wins six medals at lifesaving sport nationals
Dallas Walker had an impressive medal haul at her latest lifesaving sport competition.
The Fort Macleod resident brought home six medals — including one gold — from the pool nationals at Brantford, Ont.
“I felt strong and confident,” Walker said of her approach to nationals on June 13-14. “I had a little anxiety because I had done so well at provincials that I had some high goals leading into pool nationals.”
Lifesaving sport is composed of a series of events based on activities that are part of a life guard’s work.
Walker had set two Alberta records and won 11 medals at the provincial championships in March.
Determined to build on her success at provincials, Walker set goals of reaching the A finals in each of her events at nationals, and she did just that.
“I am very satisfied with my performance,” Walker said. “Of course there are always things to go back to the pool and work on but I was able to achieve my goals and that’s the most important.”
Walker earned her gold medal in pentathlon, finishing with the most points after five events — 200-m obstacle, 100-m tow with fins, line throw, 200-m super lifesaver and 50-m manikin carry.
Walker also earned bronze medals in 100-m rescue medley, 50-m carry, line throw, medley relay and manikin relay.
“All my times were close to my best times,” Walker said. “I was able to take two seconds off of my 200-m obstacle time and stay around my best for every other event I swam.”
The lowest Walker finished in preliminaries in any events was sixth, with the top eight competitors advancing to finals.
Reaching the A finals in 200-m obstacle, 100-m tow with fins, line throw, 200-m super lifesaver and 50-m manikin carry set the stage for a gold medal in pentathlon.
A competitor’s performance in those five events earns points for the pentathlon competition.
Walker had set a goal of reaching the podium in pentathlon, so the gold medal was a bonus.
While happy with the gold and five bronze medals, Walker was not satisfied.
She will use the knowledge that a better performance in some races could have turned bronze into silver or gold as motivation as she trains for the surf nationals in Nova Scotia at the end of August.
“That is always something to work on and keep in mind when training,” Walker said.
In particular, Walker will concentrate on improving her carry of a full manikin.
“I found this was a shortfall for most of my races,” Walker explained. “If you see me in a pool chances are I will be working on that, trying to make it smoother, faster and more efficient.”
Walker needs some financial help to get to the surf nationals in Nova Scotia. Sponsors will have their names put on her competition swim bag, equipment and clothing.
“So long as I can get sponsorship to go I will be there competing,” Walker said. “Competing there will allow me to show what I can do out of the pool and on the beach. Worlds 2016 has a combination of surf and pool events so it is important for me to compete in surf nationals.”
Fort Macleod has supported Walker throughout her career.
“I absolutely love how people from the community come up to me and ask me about my sport,” Walker said. “We are such a tight-knit community and it is fantastic to know that I am supported throughout my sport endeavors.”
“It means a lot to be asked when my next competition is or how I did. I am very happy to be part of this community full of support, even if they have never really met me before.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor Walker can call Dallas at 403-894-7186 or drop by Dynamic Balance Massage Therapy at Fort Macleod Chiropractic. Tax receipts are available for donations.
