Swim BC is pleased to announce its 2025-2026 award recipients, recognizing the individuals and clubs whose achievements and contributions helped make the season a success.
The annual awards celebrate excellence in competition and the dedication of those who support swimming across British Columbia.
Male Swimmer of the Year: Aiden Kirk (UBCT / KAJ)
Aiden Kirk capped an impressive season with a fourth-place finish in the 1500m freestyle at the Pan Pacific Championships. Finishing just 3.03% off the winning time, Kirk delivered a standout performance on the international stage.
Female Swimmer of the Year: Taylor Ruck (HPC-VAN)
Representing Canada at the Pan Pacific Championships, Taylor Ruck captured individual medals including a 2nd place finish in the 100m Butterfly and 3rd place finishes in both the 100m Backstroke and 50m Butterfly, finishing tenths of a second off the gold medal times.
Provincial Male Para-Swimmer of the Year: Fernando Lu (OS)
Fernando Lu delivered an impressive performance at the BC Provincial Championships, accumulating 2,989 CPC points across his top three events. Competing in the S10 classification, his standout swims included the 100m freestyle and 200m individual medley.
Provincial Female Para-Swimmer of the Year: Mary Jibb (PSW)
Mary Jibb took top provincial honours with 2,883 CPC point total across her top three events at the BC Provincial Championships. Her standout swims in the 100m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke showcased both versatility and top-tier speed.
Provincial Male Swimmer of the Year: Will Xu (WSC)
Will Xu shattered two National Age Group records and four Provincial Age Group records, while securing the BC Championships aggregate award, overall securing his place as the 2025-2026 Swim BC Provincial Male Swimmer of the Year.
Provincial Female Swimmer of the Year: Shima Taghavi (HYACK)
Shima Taghavi’s standout season included two national age group records and five provincial age group records. National Junior Team selection and athlete development designations further recognized her achievements.
Masters Male Swimmer of the Year: Michael Weber (OKAN)
Michael Weber delivered a standout swim at the BC Masters Championships, recording 1:03.72 in the men’s 45-49 100m breaststroke SCM. His performance brought him within just 2.38% of the short-course metres world record.
Masters Female Swimmer of the Year: Kierra Smith (OKAN)
Kierra Smith impressed at the BC Masters Championships with a time of 2:34.75 in the women’s 30-34 200m breaststroke SCM. Her performance placed her within 5.16% of the short-course metres world record.
Coach of the Year – Olympic Program: Andrew Lennstrom (HYACK)
Andrew Lennstrom guided HYACK swimmers through a successful season that included two national age group records and five provincial records. Multiple CSI Pacific athlete identifications and National Junior Team selections also reflected the program’s strength in athlete development.
Coach of the Year – Paralympic Program: Jy Lawrence (PSW)
Jy Lawrence led PSW athletes through an outstanding season, with 14 national Para records and 24 provincial records broken. Significant team growth and international team selections added to the program’s achievements.
Flip Filippelli Official of the Year: Gerard Dolan (PRASC)
Gerard Dolan’s dedication and leadership have made a valued contribution to officiating in British Columbia. His continued commitment helps create high-quality competitive experiences for swimmers, coaches, clubs and fellow officials.
Volunteer Contribution Award: Marina Downs (TBSC)
For more than a decade, Marina Downs has brought initiative, positivity and dedication to swimming in northern BC. Through her roles as meet manager, vice-chair and support with club administration, she has helped regional swimming thrive and inspired fellow volunteers.
Club of the Year: Olympians Swimming (OS)
Olympians Swimming demonstrated excellence across both performance and athlete development throughout the season. The club swept the team scoring at both the Winter and Summer Provincial Championships while also sending a strong contingent to the 2026 Bell Canadian Trials.
Swim BC congratulates all 2025-2026 award recipients and thanks everyone who contributed to a successful season for swimming in British Columbia.
