Meet our May Indigenous Athletes of the Month: Carson Beggs and Maxine Lavitt!
Join us in giving a huge round of applause to Carson Beggs and Maxine Lavitt, our Indigenous Athletes of the Month for May! Their dedication and achievements in the swimming world are truly remarkable, making both of them standout leaders both in and out of the pool.
As the Varsity Swim Team Captain at the University of Manitoba, Carson embodies leadership and excellence. His commitment to his team and sport is evident through his role as the Athletes Council Executive Assistant, where he works support his fellow athletes.
Carson's swimming excellence is undeniable, earning him the title of Swim Manitoba Male Swimmer of the Year for the 2022-23 season. His success extends to the Speedo Western Canadian Championships, where he secured silver in the 50 & 100 Breaststroke events and bronze in the 4x100 Medley relay. Not only has he excelled individually, but Carson also holds provincial records in the 4x100 Medley relay in both short course and long course events.
In addition to his achievements in the pool, Carson's coaching talents shine through his role as the head coach for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. His dedication to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of athletes is truly admirable.
Maxine's journey is one of determination, excellence, and commitment to her heritage. A learner of Cree, Anishinaabemowin, and southern Michif, she's deeply engaged in language revitalization efforts, participating in the First Language Reclamation Summit for Indigenous Languages of Manitoba.
Her passion for swimming extends beyond competition. Maxine's coaching role at the 2023 NAIG and selection for the Indigenous Community Coach Apprenticeship Program highlight her dedication to nurturing the next generation of athletes.
Maxine's swimming achievements are nothing short of extraordinary:
- Competed at the 2024 Paralympic Swimming Trials and achieved 4 qualification standards for the 2028 LA Paralympics
- Won seven medals (3 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze) at the 2024 Western Swimming Championships
- Broke five Canadian records in the S13 category - National champion, silver and bronze medalist at the 2023 Canadian Swimming Championships in August 2023
- Was selected by Swimming Manitoba as the Para-Swimmer of the Year in September 2023
- Was selected by Swimming Canada to attend a National Team camp for visually impaired swimmers in September 2023
Their accolades, both in and out of the pool, underscore their unwavering commitment to excellence and community. Let's celebrate their remarkable achievements and inspiring leadership!
