ESTEVAN - A member of the Estevan Mermaids synchronized swim club has received a provincial recognition.
Sasha Mantei was named the Provincial Stream Athlete of the Year by Synchro Sask., and was presented with the award Monday night by the Mermaids.
Her coach, Shannon Wanner, nominated Mantei.
“She had said that I had worked hard for the year, and have shown a lot of commitment, even during COVID,” Mantei told the Mercury. “Even though we weren’t allowed in the pool last year, I went and worked out with mom to keep up my strength, and it improved myself in the pool when we were able to get back in there.”
Mantei has also shown a lot of leadership by helping other swimmers.
The vast majority of athletes from across Saskatchewan are in provincial stream, so there was a lot of competition for the award.
The swimmers did compete virtually, sending in a video of their figures for one meet.
Mantei has been happy to be back in the pool this year. She has continued to work hard, and was selected to compete for Team South East at the 2022 Saskatchewan Winter Games, which were slated to happen in Regina this month before being called off.
Mantei has been in synchronized swimming for nine years. She joined because she wanted to learn how to swim.
“My mother heard about the sport, and while she never did it, she wanted to see if I would enjoy it,” said Mantei.
It’s a fun sport and you get to meet a lot of people and learn a lot of techniques to become a successful swimmer.
Mantei is grateful to the Mermaids for helping with her development.
“I owe a lot to my coach Shannon Wanner,” said Mantei. “She’s been with me … for most of my nine years, and she really kept me going. She’s always had my back and helped me when something went wrong and kept me motivated.”
Mantei believes she will age out of the program when she graduates from high school, so the Grade 10 student still has some time remaining in the program.
