A young Cowichan Valley swimmer is being recognized for a strong showing on the national stage. Gabi Williamson, a 15-year-old athlete with the Duncan Swim Team, recently returned from competition at the Ken Demchuk Para International Invitational, where she posted personal best times in most of her races and reached finals in every event she entered. Williamson’s performance places her among a group of Cowichan Valley swimmers identified for Swim BC’s Pacific Peaks Pathway – Next Wave program, which recognizes developing athletes who have demonstrated consistent competitive progress throughout the season. Officials with Swim BC say the pathway program is designed to support swimmers showing strong potential through high-level competition experience, technical development, and long-term athlete growth. The results mark another positive milestone for competitive swimming in the Cowichan Valley.