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Best of the West Fest Recap

April 30, 2026

The inaugural Best of the West Fest made a strong debut at the Pan Am Pool in Winnipeg from April 23-26, 2026, welcoming 529 swimmers from across Western Canada for four days of high-level racing. 

British Columbia made a significant impact at the meet, with 24 clubs sending a combined 220 athletes to compete – one of the largest provincial contingents in attendance. BC swimmers consistently featured in finals sessions throughout the four days, showcasing both depth and high-end performance.  

That presence translated into results. BC athletes combined for 334 medals (130 gold | 112 silver | 92 bronze), placing the province among the top overall performers at the meet. Swimmers delivered a mix of personal bests, podium finishes, and strong relay performances, reinforcing BC’s reputation as a powerhouse in Western Canadian swimming. 

Team scoring added another level of excitement, highlighting how BC clubs stacked up against one another across size categories: 

Small Club:  

WDSC – 2nd 🥈 

HST – 3rd 

SPART – 4th 

DST – 5th  

CSSSC – 6th  

LCSC – 9th 

SQUP – 13th  

CHIN – 16th 

CKSC – 17th  

DELTA – 19th 

Medium Club:  

HYACK – 1st 🥇 

EVDSC – 5th  

ISC – 7th  

VKSC – 13th  

GATOR – 14th  

RIDGE – 15th  

Large Club:  

OS – 1st 🥇 

CDCS – 3rd 

PSW – 4th  

KAJ – 8th  

SKSC – 11th  

RAPID – 14th  

NRST – 17th  

Beyond the medals and rankings, the meet served as an important opportunity for swimmers to race against top competition from across the west in a championship-style environment. The combination of strong performances and broad participation made it a highly successful outing for the province. 

Beyond the results, the meet emphasized connection across the western swim community. Teams, coaches, and athletes came together in a shared environment that balanced high performance with camaraderie, setting the tone for future editions of the event. 

As the first installment of what is expected to become an annual tradition, the 2026 Best of the West Fest proved to be a major success. Highlighting the strength of swimming in Western Canada and leaving athletes and spectators looking ahead to next year. 

Thank you to AB, BC, MB, and SK as well as all the officials and volunteers who made this event possible, and for their ongoing dedication to the swimming community. 

We also extend our gratitude to Renee Kardash Photography for capturing stunning images throughout the BOTWF meet. If you’re interested in accessing your photos, be sure to visit and follow @swim.reneekardashphotography, or contact them directly at hello@reneekardashphotography.com