There’s no off-season for one of Red Deer’s most decorated swimmers.
Not long after Elliott Moskowy returned with three gold medals and a silver from the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, he delved straight back into training – four days at the pool and two days in the gym.
It’s a way of life for the competitive swimmer who has been making waves in the pool for more than 11 years.
Competing in the Worlds was a dream come true for the 24-year-old.
“It was unforgettable,” said Moskowy. “It was breathtaking. I say it was the high point of my entire history as a competitive swimmer.”
Moskowy qualified for the Worlds last August after the Canada Summer Games in Vancouver.
His impressive medal collection includes five gold medals from the Alberta Summer Games in 2010; four gold medals and a silver medal from the Canada Western Summer Games in 2011; six gold medals in the Special Olympic Spring Games in 2013 and two gold medals and three silver medals from the Canada Summer Games in 2013. This year he took home two bronze and a silver from the Western Summer Games in Wood Buffalo.
“I just love the adrenaline that I get when I swim,” said Moskowy. “I love the thrill of the race and it makes me feel like I am improving with new lesson and practice and every new accomplishment that I make in my races.”
His specialty is the freestyle stroke which makes him feel like he "is speeding through the water,” he said.
Moskowy was introduced to the sport with his recreation ties with the Autism Society.
“It came pretty natural to me,” said Moskowy. “I just love getting into the water. I loved swimming. I was very eager to try out the deep end even without the life jacket.”
Moskowy said he had a few challenges but he managed to get the hang of it much sooner than anticipated. Coaches immediately recognized his potential. He has swam with various local swim clubs over the years including Red Deer Catalina, Red Deer Marlins and the Master Silver Sharks.
And he hasn’t looked back.
He was recently tapped as the Alberta Sport Development Centre – Central’s male athlete of the month for October.
Moskowy hopes to qualify for the Worlds in 2019. His next meet is in Edmonton in January.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com