Swimming Canada is continuing to build the next generation of distance and open water swimmers by launching a National Distance Training Group at the High Performance Centre – Ontario.
The group will be the next step in Swimming Canada’s new distance strategy initiative, which began in the fall. The long-term strategy is aimed at building one central program focused on developing distance swimmers.
Following a successful series of camps and virtual challenges, this program seeks to enhance the depth and quality of Canadian distance swimming at both junior and senior international levels. By fostering a high-performance training environment, it aims to develop athletes capable of excelling on the world stage.
The program targets female swimmers born in 2011 or earlier and male swimmers born in 2010 or earlier. Eligible athletes must demonstrate On Track times or be close to achieving these standards in events such as the 400-m, 800-m and 1,500-m freestyle, or 400-m individual medley.
The program officially begins in September, but applications are being accepted immediately, with early acceptance possible.
“This is a fantastic opportunity,” said National Distance/Open Water Coach Mark Perry. “Right now, there aren’t enough male or female swimmers progressing in the distance pool events. That impacts both pool performance in distance events, 400-m and down events, and the development of open water athletes. Our strategic plan aims to strengthen distance swimming, and this program will help us bridge that gap. The world stage has a noticeable gap between top finishers and the rest of the field—there’s a real opportunity here for Canadian swimmers.”
Research has shown that participating in a structured distance program during key development years leads to improved performance in both pool and open water events. Many of the world’s top open water athletes began their careers as distance swimmers, and many athletes who came through distance pool training programs have raced 400, 200 and 100-m events with great success at the world and Olympic level.
A strong commitment to training and development is expected, with HPC Head Coach Ryan Mallette and Assistant Coach Rob Novak overseeing the program in consultation with Perry.
Athletes will also benefit from an integrated support team in partnership with Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, which offers expertise in sport science, nutrition, psychology, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and mental performance.
“We believe success in distance swimming is best achieved within a collaborative and challenging training group,” said Mallette, who coached distance legend Ryan Cochrane to two world medals in 2015 and an Olympic final in 2016.
“This will be the first training group in a High Performance Centre dedicated to distance training. We need to create an environment where a group of committed athletes can push each other to excel.”
With an eye on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and beyond, Swimming Canada encourages athletes to consider pursuing their university education in Canada while continuing their training. HPC-Ontario operates on the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, offering student-athletes the opportunity to compete in U Sports for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues while receiving world-class training.
For those based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), part-time participation is an option with parental and coach approval. The program will also welcome visiting athletes and coaches from across Canada to participate in training sessions.
Athletes and their coaches are encouraged to contact Swimming Canada Manager of High Performance Centre Operations Michelle Poirier at mpoirier@swimming.ca to learn more.
Swimming Canada’s High Performance Centres have a proven track record of accelerating athlete development. Of the 29 swimmers on the Paris 2024 Olympic team, 21 (72 per cent) trained at a Swimming Canada High Performance Centre for significant periods in their career when they were successful and/or made significant improvement. Mallette emphasized the benefits of joining a dedicated training program at the centre.
“We have seen firsthand how committing to a high-performance lifestyle and training ethic can drive significant improvement. If an athlete is ready to outwork the competition daily, we have the structure and accountability to help them succeed at the international level,” Mallette said.
“These are the athletes we want to work with—those who are eager to push themselves and realize their full potential.”