Canadians collect two medals to open U.S. Grand Prix

ORLANDO – Canadian Olympic team members Samantha Cheverton of Pointe-Claire, Que., and Audrey Lacroix of Pont-Rouge, Que., won a silver and bronze medal respectively on Thursday to open the second stop on the U.S., Grand Prix swimming circuit.
 
In the women’s 200-m freestyle, Cheverton clocked two minutes and 00.10 seconds finishing behind Missy Franklin of the U.S., first in 1:58.01.  Becca Mann of the U.S., was third in 2:00.28 and Barbara Jardin of Montreal fourth in 2:00.92.
 
“I’ve only raced once since the Olympics so I was a little rusty,” said Cheverton.  “But I was happy with my time. It was a good solid swim and I’m where I need to be at this point in the season.”
 
In the women’s 100-m butterfly, Lacroix was involved in a three-way battle for the gold and took third spot in 59.71.  Dana Vollmer of the U.S., was the winner in 58.91 and Jeanette Otteson of Denmark second in 59.36.
 
“The 100 fly is an event that I was struggling with the last couple of years but I’m pleased with how it is going so far this season,” said Lacroix.  “My technique was very good and I was more relaxed which allowed to use my power.  It definitely augurs well for the 200 fly tomorrow.”
 
Cheverton tied for fifth and Sandrine Mainville of Montreal was eighth.
 
Martha McCabe of Toronto was fifth in the women’s 100-m breaststroke.
 
On the men’s side, Zack Chetrat of Oakville, Ont., was fifth in the 100-m butterfly, Eric Hedlin of Victoria seventh in the 400-m IM while Ryan Cochrane of Victoria and Warren Barnes of Toronto were eighth in in the 200-m freestyle and 100-m breaststroke respectively.