Sarah Schmick, or “Sarah Bear” as her Airdrie swim coaches call her, likes to race and she is looking forward to some fast races in the pool this year at the 2017 Special Olympics Summer Games in Medicine Hat.

Schmick is a natural swimmer and is no stranger to the podium as she has already compiled 39 medals in her swimming career.

She was drawn to Special Olympics because it was fun and advocates that it has helped her make friends, meet special coaches, and allows her to compete in big events.

“Keep swimming like Dory said from Finding Nemo” – Schmick on what she looks forward to in her future with Special Olympics.

Outside of the pool Schmick enjoys singing, painting, and has actively volunteered at her school since her graduation.

Schmick is putting in hard work to prepare for the Provincial Summer Games as she trains with her Special Olympics team, with the Canadian Badlands Aquatic Club, and personal training stating “I like planks. I don’t like push-ups.”

Her hard work is paying dividends as Schmick is also set to compete at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg next month.

Schmick is a goal-oriented individual who has already graduated and has aspirations to go to college; furthermore, she wants to qualify for both the Special Olympics National and World Summer Games to compete in swimming.

Her experiences with Special Olympics have taught her to “work hard, help my friends, and be happy.”

Schmick wants to thank everyone for helping her as she continues to just keep swimming.