Swimming: Brittany MacLean following in big sister’s footsteps at 2009 Age Group Nationals

MONTREAL- Brittany MacLean of Etobicoke, Ont., appears to be following in her sister’s footsteps in swimming after a double gold performance on Thursday at the Canadian age group championships.

MacLean’s sister, 17-year-old Heather, was one of the revelations at last week’s world championship team trials posting two victories and gaining a berth on the squad.

On Thursday, Brittany MacLean and Julie Calvert of Oakville, Ont., finished tied for first in the women’s 200 individual medley and MacLean edged Calvert in the 50-metre backstroke in the 15 and under age group.

‘’I hadn’t done as well as I wanted this season in the 200 IM so it was great to come in here tonight and take a big chunk of time off my personal best,’’ said MacLean, 15. ‘’The 50 backstroke is more of a fun race and I was glad to get the win.’’

Other double winners on Thursday included Olympian Lindsay Seeman of Newmarket, Ont., in the 200 IM and 800 freestyle in the 16-18 age group and Marni Oldershaw of Oakville in the 50 back and 200 IM in the 14 and under group.

For the men, Kevin Bustamante of Montreal took the 50 back and 200 IM in 14 and under and Matthew Grillo of Pointe-Claire, Que., won the 50 back and 100 freestyle in 16 and under.

‘’I had a bad start in the 200 IM but I never gave up,’’ said Bustamante. ‘’I imagined I was at the Olympics and gave it everything I had.’’

Competition continues Friday at Parc Jean-Drapeau.