Welcoming many of the top university and club swimmers from Ontario and Quebec, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues swimming team competed in the annual Toronto Grand Prix inside the Athletic Centre - Varsity Pool.

"This meet is crucial in that it is a long-course meet (Olympic 50m pool set-up) and the top swimmers aiming for international Games need this rehearsal," explained Varsity Blues swimming head coach Byron MacDonald. "And simply put, elite racing is a benefit for everyone."

Ben Loewen was the top swimmer for the Blues in the two-day meet, capturing four first-place finishes, winning the 100m (54.89) and 200m (2:00.25) butterfly, along with the 100m (57.37) and 200m (2:02.54) backstroke.

"Ben's 200m fly, just being shy of breaking 2:00, is a huge in-season best time and keeps him on track for big things," added Varsity Blues assistant head coach Linda Kiefer. "His work ethic is superb and he is reaping the benefits of that. I also thought Liam (Weaver) did a top job with his sprint as this has been a tough stretch of four meets in four weekends which can drain an athlete but he rose nicely to the occasion."

Weaver delivered the fastest time in the 50m freestyle (23.02). Other winners for the Blues included veteran Jacob Gallant in his signature 400m IM (4:31.23), Nina Mollin in the 200m butterfly (2:27.81), and first-year standout Sydney Stewart in the 100m butterfly (1:04.24).

"Sydney is a great example of the stress that these athletes are under but can overcome," said MacDonald. "On Friday, she only had a few hours of sleep due to studying and six hours of classes and labs. Exhausted to race the 200m fly, she somehow was ten seconds off her best time. But a great night's rest and recovery, she came back Saturday and almost registered her best time to win the 100m fly! It is incredible to see what these athletes can accomplish under even some of the toughest circumstances."

The Blues now prepare for the upcoming OUA Swimming Championships in two weeks. The provincial showcase will be held at the Markham Pan Am Centre from Feb. 7-9. In addition, a small group of five Blues will be heading overseas this coming Monday to compete in the Luxembourg Euro Meet, scheduled to take place  from Jan. 27-Feb. 3.