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BC SWIMMING ALUMNI: Nathan Stein
April 9, 2026
Nathan Stein, from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, built a 20‑year swimming career defined by resilience, adaptability, and the people who supported him along the way. He began his journey with the BC Summer Swimming Association (BCSSA) before transitioning into year‑round swimming, gaining experience with Simon Fraser Aquatics and the Haney Seahorse Swim Club (now Ridge Meadows Swim Club), before ultimately finding a long‑term home with the Surrey Knights Swim Club.
Throughout his career, Stein was influenced by a number of respected coaches, including Stu Don Caroll, Wendy Lim, Liam Leyland, and Dmitry Kononenko. Each played a role in developing his understanding of the sport, work ethic, and self-confidence. The most significant impact came from his longtime coach, Reg Shaw from the Surrey Knights Swim Club.
Early in his athletic career, Stein faced a significant setback after breaking his knee playing football at age 11. He was later diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans, a bone deficiency in the knee that required multiple surgeries and ultimately reshaping his path in sport. The diagnosis forced him to reconsider his future, but it also opened the door to Paralympic swimming.
Among his early highlights, Stein represented Team BC at the West Coast Championships in Richmond BC, marking his first experience on a provincial team.
Another defining moment was breaking a BCSSA 100m freestyle record previously held by Olympic champion Brent Hayden, and later by swimmer Mike Westwick, before Stein surpassed it the following year.
On the international stage:
2012 Paralympic Games:
2nd – S10 Men’s 50m Freestyle LCM
2014 Pan Pacific Para-Swimming Championships:
1st – S10 Men’s 100m Butterfly LCM
2nd – S10 Men’s 100m Freestyle LCM
2015 IPC World Championships:
3rd – S10 Men’s 50m Freestyle LCM
3rd – S10 Men’s 100m Freestyle LCM
2015 Parapan American Games:
2nd – S10 Men’s 100m Butterfly LCM
2nd – S34 Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay LCM
3rd – S10 Men’s 100m Freestyle LCM
3rd – S10 Men’s 50m Freestyle LCM
2016 Paralympic Games:
5th – S10 Men’s 100m Butterfly LCM
5th – S10 Men’s 50m Freestyle LCM
Stein reflected on his personal experience of facing setbacks during the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Leading up to the Games, he underwent what he described as the most focused training period of his life.
Unfortunately, a back injury sustained just days before the competition significantly affected his performance, although he did not achieve the desired results. He emphasizes how the process leading up to the Games is one that has had the most defining impact on his life.
Stein retired from competitive swimming following the 2016 Rio Paralympics. His transition out of sport was emotionally challenging, as swimming had been a central part of his identity. He applied the same lessons, focus, and determination cultivated in training to his personal and professional life.
Today, Stein reflects on his journey with a deep sense of gratitude.
He credits swimming with providing the foundation for his success, including the discipline, structure, and perspective that has shaped his life. He is now focused on his family and career and describes himself as being in the best place he has ever been.