Swimmers from across Alberta made the trip to Red Deer to compete in the Red Deer Catalina Swim Club's biggest Freeze or Fry ever.
More than 500 athletes competed in the 72nd edition of the event at the Recreation Centre from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22. This was the most competitors in the history of the event — the previous record of 436 was set in 2024.
"There aren't a lot of outdoor meets like this. This is a unique experience for a lot of clubs. We have an amazing club that puts on a fabulous event that makes people want to come," said Bahler. said Jennifer Bahler, RDCSC president.
Twenty-three different clubs were represented during the 2025 Freeze or Fry, including one from British Columbia.
Like the name suggests, the Freeze or Fry can fluctuate between cold and hot temperatures from year to year. This year, it was cold and raining for much of the event.
"On the Friday, we had a lightning delay for 30 minutes. We thought some kids would be leaving, but we didn't have a single one leave," said Bahler.
there was a wide range of ages and skill levels competing at Freeze or Fry.
"This is a developmental meet, but all of our club's swimmers do swim in this meet. For example, Nicholas Bennett, a gold-medal winning Paralympian, is swimming in this event. As a club, we really promote our athletes giving back to the swimming community, so all of the athletes in our higher groups will swim one day and then volunteer the next," said Bahler.
"At this meet, we have our Trials-qualified swimmers who are trying out for world and national teams, we have a couple of varsity kids who are back for the summer, and then we have kids who are swimming in a 50-metre pool for the first time. It's really cool to see those little kids sharing the pool with those older athletes. The little kids can aspire what the older ones are doing. There aren't a lot of meets like that."
Bahler said events like Freeze or Fry showcase how connected the swimming community is.
"The swimming community is amazing. Whenever you ask (the swimmers) how things are going, you'll see smiles on their faces. We have the little and big swimmers together cheering everyone on, even if it's pouring rain," she said.
"It takes a lot to run a (swim) meet. We need 120 volunteers a day and the parents in our club have to put in a lot of work — they're practically here all weekend. We never get complaints. They want to be here and they want to support the kids."
For more information on the Red Deer Catalina Swim Club, visit www.reddeercatalina.ca.
