You can call them the dynamic duo of swimming, and they're still buzzing from their involvement at the Canada Summer Games.

Airdrie Para Swimmer Alex Sharpe was joined by his coach Alexx Diep at the Games which were held in Winnipeg.

Coach Diep says it was good to be in the company of other coaches and athletes reaching for the same goal.

"You walk around the athletes village and you're among your peers. You're really in a comfortable zone where everyone around you are there for the same reason of trying to do well and trying to perform."

While Sharpe didn't medal in his events, he still put up some personal best times. The 15 year old swimmer also reflects on what it was like to take the plunge with older competitors.

"They're older, so obviously, they have an advantage but you just have to keep going. You can't be discouraged by how old they are. You just have to try your best, kinda put your head down and just swim as fast as you can to try and beat them."

The pair of Alexx and Alex have worked together a lot over the last 12 months. Sharpe has qualified for several tournaments in Canada and even made the Para Swim Worlds in Indinapolis in June.

Sharpe says the experience has been extra special knowing his coach is always there.

"The places you get to go, the places you get to swim. It's just so cool to get to go to these places and especially with Alexx where he can help me and have his attention on me 100% just makes me such a better swimmer. He really helps me reach my maximum potential at these types of meets."

Diep says working closely with Alex helps give him the best opportunities to grow as an athlete.

Sharpe will be going through a couple months of long training before his next major competitions, in preparation for next summer's Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Tokyo.

 

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