Wittal of Kamloops posts fastest time in Canadian swimming history, but national record in jeopardy

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“In age group swimming, combined gender swimming is permitted,” according to the Swimming Rules of Swimming Canada. “Canadian Age Group records cannot be set when heats involve individual mixed genders.” 

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Wayne Wittal, Mia’s father, was surprised to learn the record might not stand. 

“It’s not nice seeing your kid upset,” he said. “You just want to get some clarity for her on the whole situation and, hopefully, we can get that. 

“It sounds like the time is legit. They said that’s the fastest that’s ever been swam, but now they’re saying she swam against boys, so the time may not count because there were males in the race. I don’t really understand what’s going on.” 

Classics’ head coach Shane Downey said he is in communication with Swimming Canada and noted he is awaiting a final decision from the national governing body.  

“We’re extremely proud of Mia and her accomplishments and she was able to go under that Canadian national record,” Downey said. “She did. That’s the reality. She’s faster than that.” 

Wittal has been in hot pursuit of McIntosh’s mark this season and turned heads at the Provincial Winter Swimming Championships in March in Victoria, winning nine medals and setting eight club records. 

As of Monday morning, Swimming Canada recognizes the time as the fastest of the 2026 season, but not as the Canadian record. 

“Hopefully, Kamloops doesn’t host any – or other swim meets have any – mixed-gender races if that is the case,” Wayne Wittal said. “Hopefully, this doesn’t happen to somebody else.” 

The Kamloops swimmer has until May 12 — the date on which she graduates from the age division — to catch McIntosh.   

Wayne Wittal said there is a meet in Kelowna at which his daughter could aim to snare the national record. 

“But I don’t know if she is interested in trying to prove it again or just carry on with her focused plan,” he said. “She’s got bigger goals than this 12-year-old record. She might just get back in and keep focusing on bigger-picture stuff. I don’t know if she is interested in just swimming the 50 fly again. She might just pick other races and move on.”