OTTAWA – Jocelyn Jay will step into a new leadership position with Swimming Canada, as she will take on the role of Associate Director, High Performance, Paralympic Program, in the fall.
A former national team swimmer and NCAA All-American at The Ohio State University, Jay has worked with Swimming Canada since 2018, most recently as Associate Director, Sport Development. In that role, she has led the department, overseeing coach and official education and certification, professional development, and event hosting.
In her new position, Jay will direct and lead all areas of Swimming Canada’s Paralympic Program. She will work with High Performance Director John Atkinson to oversee Own the Podium plans and budgets, and long-term strategic planning. She will link with other partners such as the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Canadian Swimming Coaches Association and Sport Canada. In addition, she will manage the national program staff, work with coaches to track and monitor athlete progress, direct selection and NextGen strategies and serve as team leader for major championships and Games.
“I’m honoured to step into this role and build on the incredible work that’s been done,” Jay said. “It’s a privilege to lead Canada’s Paralympic program, and one I approach with purpose and pride. I’m committed to building for performance by investing in the people: our athletes, coaches, and the daily environments that support them.”
Jay’s previous roles include Coordinator, High Performance Para Swimming Programs, in which she managed staff deliverables, aligned programming with daily training environments and supported a variety of partnerships. She was team leader for the 2019 Parapan American Games, supporting athlete selection, staging camp logistics, and Games-time operations for a developing Canadian team that earned 21 medals. She also served as Events Manager, ensuring that the competition, classification, logistical, and accessibility needs of Para swimmers, their coaches, and support staff are fully embedded into national events.
“Jocelyn brings strong experience in both the Para swimming and sport development spaces and is well positioned to lead the program on the road to LA 2028 and beyond,” Atkinson said. “After a time of change, we’re excited about the opportunity for renewed stability and progress within the program.”
Jay will work alongside Interim Technical and Program Lead J‑P Lavoie, who has served in his role since the departure of previous Associate HPD Wayne Lomas last spring and will continue through to the end of his contract as scheduled. Lavoie guided the program into final preparations for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where Canada’s 13 medals were the most since London 2012, including five gold medals, the most since Beijing 2008. Swimming Canada also secured an increase in OTP funding to position the program for the Los Angeles 2028 Games and beyond.
“My mandate was twofold: to lead a successful Paris 2024 Paralympic campaign, and spearhead the development of the LA 2028 High Performance Plan. We delivered standout results on the international stage while strengthening the program’s long-term foundation,” Lavoie said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and believe the Paralympic program is now in a much stronger position than when I began. It’s been a pleasure working alongside John and Swimming Canada staff and coaches, and I’m grateful to the Para swimming community for the warm welcome. It has been a privilege to get to know you. A sincere thank you to the swimmers, personal coaches, staff, and everyone I’ve had the opportunity to work with—your commitment and collaboration made this journey truly meaningful.”
Lavoie and Jay will work together through the conclusion of the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore in September, with Jay assuming the role in October. Atkinson emphasized the importance of continuity and collaboration through this leadership transition.
“J-P has guided the program through a critical period, including preparations for and delivery of the Paris 2024 campaign. Beyond the core mandate, he also undertook important work to review staffing structures and internal processes, helping to ensure the program is in a stronger position than when he began. He will continue to lead all program activities through to the world championships, including serving as team leader at the World Para Swimming Championships. We are grateful for his leadership and commitment. As we welcome Jocelyn into this role, we look forward to a collaborative transition that supports our athletes, coaches, and staff,” Atkinson said.
Alex Davidson, Vice President, Summer Sport for Own the Podium, welcomed the news.
“OTP looks forward to working with Jocelyn in this critical technical leadership role, building on the already strong foundation and historic results through the 2024 Paralympic Games, and marking a new era for both Paralympic swimming and Paralympic sport in Canada as we focus on improved and sustained results toward 2032 and beyond,” Davidson said. “Jocelyn has an in-depth understanding of both the domestic and international swimming landscape and is well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead for the program. Jocelyn brings tremendous passion and care to her approach to leadership, which will no doubt benefit athletes and coaches in their pursuit of winning well.”