A teen with local ties was nominated for the prestigious Canadian Junior Athlete of the Year award.
Matthew Swanston, 17, grandson of Walter and Virena Swanston of Rockwood, and Jack Peaker of Guelph, was among three individuals nominated for the award handed out at a Feb. 24 ceremony in Ottawa. The Canadian Sport Awards are hosted by the True Sport Foundation at the National Gallery of Canada.
Swanston, a member of the Newmarket Stingrays Swim Club, has set several provincial and national records for his age group. And just recently, he won six gold and two bronze medals at the Eastern Canadian Championships in Halifax.
In the fall, Swanston will be attending Stanford University, where he will continue his competitive swimming career. Swanston, who enjoys writing in his spare time, was unavailable for comment by press time.
Skeleton athlete Sara Reid ended up winning the award on Tuesday night.
