BY SCOTT
HADDOW
It's not sink or swim time for Kyleigh Commito heading into the
junior Canadian national swimming championships, but it will
give her the opportunity to get her feet wet in this highly
competitive world.
Commito has been committed to her training and her head coach,
Phil Parker, also the head coach of the men's and women's
Laurentian varsity squads, is getting the most out of the young
protege.
In just a short time, Commito has gone from swimming
30,000-metres a week to 35,000-metres a week, which equates to
the difference of swimming 50 football fields. And, it won't
stop there as she progresses to 50,000-metres in the next few
weeks.
The leap in swimming distances is reaping big benefits for
Commito.
Her muscles are being accustomed to the gruelling pace, and
without the onerous task of balancing training along with
school and life in the summer, she knows she can push herself
further.
"The training has been going very good," said the
18-year-old swimmer. "Now that I don't have school, it's even
better because I can take a nap during the day. I have found I
am a lot stronger in the water in everything I do. It's made a
huge difference in my abilities."
Training her body in such a harsh manner will allow Commito
to withstand future punishing events and distances.
"This summer, it's all about getting her used to this type
of intense training," said Parker. "She's learning how to train
harder than she ever has before. The training was a big goal
for her this year and she's meeting it. Her dedication is
second to none. With this tough training, there's no doubt she
will swim her best times at nationals."
Parker has modest goals for Commito at nationals, as he
wants her to use it for experience.
"There will be a lot of tough competition there," said Parker. "Kyleigh is ranked about 30th in all of her events.
Making Top 16 in any would be a really good accomplishment.
For Kyleigh, it's more about the 2008 to 2012 trials...those
are the big picture goals for her. The 2006 nationals will be
an excellent learning experience for her. How far she can take
it, is up to her. When we get to nationals, I will set her free
and we will see what she can do."
One problem that has plagued Commito over the years has been
her nerves. In the past, her nerves have got the best of her at
competitions, resulting in less than brilliant performances.
She is getting a firmer grip on the mind-messing problem.
"My nerves have been getting a lot better," said the
Lockerby graduate. "The last couple of meets I haven't been as
nervous as I have been in the past. I'm dealing with it. I have
found this year has been less stressful because my nerves are
better. It's a big key for me."
Commito is competing in five events - the 50-metre, 100-m,
200-m, 400-m and 800-m freestyle events.
"The 800-metre is my favourite event...I like it because if
you make a mistake, you can fix it because you have the
distance to do it," said Commito.
The swimmer is just looking for a clean meet with sound
performances.
"I just want to go and swim fast," said the future
Laurentian University swimmer. "It's more about experience this
year for me. I don't really have any expectations. I feel no
pressure because I am not one of the top seeded swimmers. I
want to have a good high end meet and make it my best."
Nationals is the last event for Commito for the summer. She will relax in August and get ready for her university varsity season.
