Sandpoint Sharks wrap up 2026 long course season on a high note

PASCO — The Sandpoint Sharks Swim Club wrapped up its 2026 long course season in spectacular fashion at the Inland Empire Swimming Long Course Championships held last weekend.  

Competing against many of the region's fastest swimmers, the Sharks delivered one of the club's strongest championship performances in recent years, earning individual titles, relay medals, championship finals appearances, and numerous personal bests. 

Leading the way was Charley-Rain Olpin, who continued to establish herself as one of the Inland Empire's premier young swimmers. Olpin captured silver medals in both the 11-12 Girls 200 Individual Medley with a 2:48.01 and the 11-12 Girls 50 Freestyle, 29.4, qualifying for championship finals in each event. 

The Sharks also showcased exceptional depth in the 13-14 girls' division. Myelle Jensen earned a bronze medal in the 200 Individual Medley, 2:40.71, and added a 6th-place finish in the 50 Freestyle, 29.60.  

Meanwhile, teammate Allyson Ballard sprinted to a bronze medal in the 50 Freestyle, 29.30, after also qualifying for the championship final in the 200 IM. 

The Sharks' girls relay team demonstrated outstanding teamwork by capturing 2nd place in the 14 & Under 200 Medley Relay. The quartet of Myelle Jensen, Vienne LaFountain, Charley-Rain Olpin, and Allyson Ballard combined for an impressive time of 2:19.32, finishing just behind the champion Sandpoint Swim Team. 

Joshua Jackson delivered one of the team's biggest performances by earning the silver medal in the 13-14 Boys 50 Freestyle, touching the wall in 27.18 seconds. Jackson also helped anchor the Sharks' 14 and under Medley Relay squad. 

In the senior division, Andrew Ford qualified for the championship final in the 15 and over Boys 200 Individual Medley, finishing 14th overall, while Athena de Leeuw qualified for the senior championship field in the 200 IM, demonstrating the Sharks' continued strength across all age groups. 

Nine-year-old Kate Bracht opened the meet with a runner-up finish in the 9-10 Girls 200 Individual Medley and later contributed to the club's relay efforts. Eleven-year-old Charlie Johnson reached championship finals in both the 11-12 Girls 200 IM and 50 Freestyle, while swimmers including Vienne LaFountain, Zoey Travnicek, Carter Hutchens, Thomas Travnicek, Nolan Jacobson, Emerson Johnson, Joshua Jackson, Andrew Ford, Lou Foust, Tyler Addy and many others represented Sandpoint with determination and sportsmanship throughout the weekend. 

Beyond the medals, the Sharks' success was measured by the number of swimmers advancing to championship finals, posting lifetime bests, and competing confidently against the top athletes from across the Inland Empire Swimming region.  

"This championship meet was a tremendous way to close our long course season," said the coaching staff. "Our swimmers showed incredible dedication, resilience, and team spirit. Every athlete contributed to the success of this team, whether standing on the podium, earning a second swim in finals, or achieving a personal best." 

With another successful championship meet complete, the Sandpoint Sharks now turn their attention toward the upcoming short course season, carrying momentum and confidence after one of the club's strongest championship performances.