On a cold winter’s morning, while most people are still asleep, 40 masters swimmers arrive at the Complexe aquatique multifonctionnel de Lévis swimming pool. It’s 5:45 a.m., and despite the darkness and biting cold, the music is blaring inside and the friendly atmosphere is already palpable. Michel Tremblay greets every swimmer with boundless energy. Here, everyone is expected, recognized and encouraged – whatever their age, level or background.
It’s this spirit of inclusion, energy and dedication that earned Michel Tremblay the 2024 Masters Coach of the Year award.
The award is presented each year to an exceptional coach, devoting time, energy and enthusiasm to inspire, advise, challenge and support their swimmers attain their personal goals. For 28 years, Tremblay has devoted his career to making the person behind the athlete shine. Since arriving in Lévis three years ago, Michel has not only strengthened the masters program, he has also made it deeply human.
Under his leadership, Les Riverains have made a name for themselves. At the 2025 Quebec Masters Championships, they took the Organization of the Year banner for clubs with 24 competitors or fewer, as well as the Sportsmanship banner. The club, which now has 210 masters members total, retains an atmosphere that is as friendly as it is demanding. Inclusion is a fundamental principle, and seven Special Olympics swimmers are part of the masters program.
“Michel is an exceptional coach and man in every way,” says Luc Fournier, a masters swimmer and member of the club’s board of directors. “His energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and the success of our masters program at Riverains shows just how much he knows about inspiring people and making a difference in people’s lives. He inspires everyone to push their limits and supports them in their quest to achieve their goals.
For Tremblay, this award represents much more than just a trophy.
“It means a lot to me. I started very young. My values of inclusion and surpassing oneself were already part of my approach 20 years ago. That’s what makes me most proud.”
What he finds particularly exciting about training masters is being able to give the same attention to a 76-year-old athlete aiming to swim 200 metres as to a 32-year-old swimmer aiming to cover the same distance in under two minutes.
“I enjoy getting to know their goals and getting them to exceed their limits, whatever their calibre.”
The success of the program lies in its ability to adapt to the different realities of its swimmers. Michel observes that personal challenges – whether it’s a family crisis or a heavy week at work – don’t stop his swimmers from arriving at the pool motivated. They are a constant source of inspiration for him as he strives to create a stimulating and caring environment. He personalizes his approach, cultivates strong bonds with his swimmers and values the camaraderie that has become an integral part of their lives, and his own.
“I work in collaboration with my swimmers, I don’t impose anything on them. I adapt my training to their energy level. Someone aged 55 who has worked hard all week may not be available for a big effort on Friday morning. You have to keep a positive approach.”
To maintain motivation and a strong group atmosphere, he has designed his sessions so that all the swimmers swim at the same time, whatever their level. While some swim 50-metre repeats, others swim up to 125 metres, creating an exceptional team dynamic.
Michel Tremblay perfectly embodies the essence of the role of a masters coach: to inspire, guide and bring people together. His inclusive, caring approach has transformed the Riverains de Lévis into a true model of success and cohesion. By recognizing his work with the Masters Coach of the Year award, an entire community is celebrating the positive influence of a leader whose energy, smile and passion leave a lasting imprint on the lives of his swimmers, well beyond the pool.