Swim BC Welcomes Hughanna Gaw as Manager, Member Services

Jan 14, 2026

Swim BC is pleased to announce the appointment of Hughanna Gaw as the organization’s new Manager, Member Services, effective January 19, 2025. Hughanna joins Swim BC with more than a decade of experience in sport administration, most recently serving as High School Sports Coordinator with the RSEQ Greater Montreal Athletic Association (GMAA). In this role, she supported a large, multi-sport membership by managing leagues, tournaments, and events across a wide range of sports, including oversight of the regional swim league. Her work has been characterized by strong organizational leadership, a member-focused approach, and a deep understanding of sport system operations. Alongside her administrative background, Hughanna brings valuable hands-on experience as a provincial and varsity rugby coach and former competitive athlete. This dual perspective has shaped her collaborative leadership style and reinforces her commitment to organizational development, quality programming, and positive sport experiences at all levels. She holds a degree in Leisure Sciences from Concordia University and is passionate about sport development and community engagement. Executive Director Elmar Heger shared that Swim BC is excited to welcome Hughanna to the organization, noting that her depth of experience in sport administration, combined with her background as a coach and athlete make her an excellent fit for the role. He added that Hughanna brings a strong member-first mindset and that the organization is confident she will be a tremendous asset to Swim BC and to the swimming community across British Columbia. Hughanna is excited to join Swim BC and looks forward to building strong, collaborative relationships with clubs, coaches, administrators, and the broader Swim BC membership to support and advance the continued growth of swimming across the province.

Call for Applications: Swim BC Awards Committee

Dec 19, 2025

Extended deadlines until Jan 11, 2026!

Swim BC is looking for applicants for the Awards Committee.

Are you passionate about celebrating excellence in BC swimming? Swim BC is looking for members to join the Awards Committee, an advisory group that reviews and recommends recipients for Swim BC’s annual awards, as well as external honours like Sport BC and Swimming Canada awards. Committee members also provide input on award criteria to help recognize outstanding contributions to the sport.

Application Deadline: January 11, 2026

Any questions, Contact Swim BC Performance Development Manager Melissa Webster (melissa.webster@swimbc.ca)

Link to Application: https://www.cognitoforms.com/SwimBC2/AwardsCommitteeApplication

Link to More Info:https://swimbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/Awards-Committee-ToR.pdf

2025 University Cup Provincial Team

Nov 4, 2025

The University of British Columbia will host swimmers from across the province and country this weekend for the 2025 UBC University Cup Pacific, a short-course varsity competition running from November 8–9, 2025, hosted at the UBC Aquatics Center. Athletes and coaches representing British Columbia include: Alex Camaraire (UVPCS) – coached by Rod Barratt Alex Velicico (OS) – coached by Ryan Skomorowski Anthony Su (RAPID) – coached by Rob Pettifer Calli Saunders (SPART) – coached by Justin Daly Chase Saxon (ISC) – coached by Lucien Zucchi Colton Gonzales (LCSC) – coached by Brandon Gonzales Danny Park (OS) – coached by Ryan Skomorowski Derex Yang (HYACK) – coached by Andrew Lennstrom Emma Liu (VPSC) – coached by Patrick Paradis Jimmy Zhu (CDSC) – coached by Kelly Taitinger Joshua Perkins (PSW) – coached by Jy Lawrence Juliet Nicholson (KAJ) – coached by Marc Tremblay Kelly Choi (KAJ) – coached by Marc Tremblay Kyah De Mitri (KISU) – coached by Tina Hoeben Liam Chew (KAJ) – coached by Marc Tremblay Lucy Liu (CDSC) – coached by Kelly Taitinger Marlee Winser (KISU) – coached by Tina Hoeben Matthew Cao (PSW) – coached by Jy Lawrence Michelle Zeng (CDSC) – coached by Kelly Taitinger Naomi Mynott (WDSC) – coached by Judy Baker Olivia Zhou (CDSC) – coached by Kelly Taitinger Shima Taghavi (HYACK) – coached by Andrew Lennstrom Taryn Weatherhead (KISU) – coached by Tina Hoeben Zac Millns (CRKW) – coached by Richard Millns Coaches: Marc Tremblay (KAJ) Tina Hoeben (KISU) Zachary Haw (CDSC) Savannah King (Swim BC) Swim BC extends its best wishes to all athletes and coaches competing this weekend.

BC Swimmers Deliver Strong Performances at Toronto World Cup Finale

Oct 30, 2025

British Columbia swimmers delivered a series of strong performances as the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup concluded this weekend at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. The Toronto meet marked the final stop of the three-leg short-course series, following competitions in Carmel, Indiana, and Westmont, Illinois. A total of 30 BC swimmers were invited, representing clubs across the province: CDSC: 2 swimmer HYACK: 3 swimmers ISC: 1 swimmer KAJ: 6 swimmers KCS: 1 swimmer LCSC: 2 swimmers OS: 4 swimmers PSW: 2 swimmers SKSC: 1 swimmer SQUP: 1 swimmer UVPCS: 3 swimmer VPSC: 1 swimmer WVOSC: 2 swimmers WGB: 1 swimmer The Toronto stop capped off a strong series for BC athletes, with numerous personal bests and consistent finals appearances across multiple disciplines. These results showcase the depth of talent in our province and the excellence of BC’s high-performance programs. Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches who participated!

2025 BC Swimming Hall of Fame Inductees

Oct 14, 2025

Swim BC is proud to announce the 2025 BC Swimming Hall of Fame inductees, Dr. Peter Vizsolyi (Coach & Builder), Ann Carmichael (Builder), Tom Bryce (Builder), and Saanich Commonwealth Place (Legacy Facility), each recognized for their outstanding contributions and lasting impact on swimming in British Columbia.

Ann Carmichael – Builder

For more than 30 years, Ann Carmichael has been a cornerstone of the Victoria swimming community and a driving force behind the growth of aquatic sport in British Columbia. Originally from Ontario, Ann joined the District of Saanich in 1993, just before the 1994 Commonwealth Games, playing a key role in establishing Saanich Commonwealth Place as both a world-class competition venue and a vibrant community facility. Under her leadership, the centre hosted Swim BC Provincial Championships, National and International events, national training camps, international diving competitions, and countless local meets, all while serving thousands of community swimmers and families. Renowned for her people-first approach, Ann supported athletes, coaches, and staff with unwavering commitment, helping others succeed through mentorship, collaboration, and quiet leadership. During the pandemic, she was instrumental in bringing athletes safely back to the water, particularly within diving programs. Her influence has touched generations of swimmers and coaches, including Hall of Fame inductees Richard Weinberger, Ryan Cochrane, Rick Say, Randy Bennett, Ron Jacks, Peter Vizsolyi, and Hilary Caldwell. Ann Carmichael’s enduring legacy lies in her ability to unite high-performance sport and community recreation – building a model for excellence that continues to define BC swimming today. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Peter Vizsolyi – Builder & Coach

For more than four decades, Dr. Peter Vizsolyi has shaped the landscape of swimming in British Columbia and across Canada through his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He is the first individual to be inducted into the BC Swimming Hall of Fame in two categories – Builder and Coach – a testament to the depth and breadth of his impact on the sport. Born in Budapest and raised in British Columbia, Dr. Vizsolyi’s lifelong dedication to swimming began as an athlete in the 1960s and 1970s before he transitioned to coaching in 1976. Since 1983, he has served as Head Coach of the University of Victoria Swim Team, where he built one of the country’s most successful and enduring university programs. Through his leadership, university swimming evolved from a recreational pursuit into a true high-performance pathway, providing Canadian athletes with the opportunity to achieve international success while studying at home. As a coach, Dr. Vizsolyi’s record is extraordinary: 17 Olympians developed under his guidance 100+ international team appointments 73 international medals Over 400 national and U Sports medals His athletes have reached podiums at the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games, representing Canada with distinction. Beyond coaching, Dr. Vizsolyi’s influence as a builder has been equally transformative. As Sport Chair for the 1994 Commonwealth Games, he played a pivotal role in the creation and legacy of Saanich Commonwealth Place, contributing to the design, governance, and long-term sustainability of one of Canada’s premier aquatic facilities. His work on the High-Performance User Committee and Operating Agreement Review Board helped ensure that the venue continues to serve both community and high-performance needs. A respected figure in sport governance, Dr. Vizsolyi has contributed extensively to Swim BC, Swimming Canada, and the Canadian Swimming Coaches Association, where he has served for over 20 years on the Board of Directors, advancing coach education, ethics, and high-performance standards nationwide. As a professor, lecturer, and Master Coach at the National Coaching Institute, he has mentored generations of coaches who now carry forward his influence across Canada and beyond. A coach, a builder, and a visionary, Dr. Peter Vizsolyi has left an indelible mark on Canadian swimming – one defined not only by medals and records, but by the lasting opportunities he created for athletes, coaches, and the entire swimming community. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saanich Commonwealth Place – Legacy Facility

For more than three decades, Saanich Commonwealth Place has stood at the heart of Canadian swimming – a world-class aquatic centre that bridges community recreation and international excellence. Built for the 1994 Commonwealth Games and opened in 1993, the facility was designed with a dual vision: to host elite competition and to serve as a lasting community legacy. That vision has been fully realized. Since its inception, Saanich Commonwealth Place has hosted some of the most significant events in Canadian swimming history, including the 1994 Commonwealth Games, the 2006 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, and the Canadian Swimming Trials in 2014, 2017, 2022, and 2025. Across these decades, its pool has witnessed extraordinary performances – six world records, among them Kieran Perkins’ double world record in the 800m and 1500m freestyle at the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and Summer McIntosh’s three world records at the 2025 Canadian Trials. The facility also saw historic swims from Michael Phelps in 2006, as well as Jessica Schipper, Brendan Hansen, Aaron Peirsol, and the USA 4x100m freestyle relay, all setting world records during the Pan Pacific Championships. Beyond these iconic moments, Saanich Commonwealth Place has been home to multiple Para Swimming Canadian and World Records, set by athletes including Stephanie Dixon, Nicholas Bennett, Walter Wu, Sebastian Massabie, Nathan Stein, and Donovan Tildesley. Yet its most powerful legacy lies beyond the record books. The facility has served as a daily home for Olympians, national team members, university athletes, club swimmers, and community participants alike. Its model – built through collaboration between the District of Saanich, Swim BC, and the broader sport community – has become a national benchmark for how elite sport and community recreation can successfully coexist. Today, Saanich Commonwealth Place continues to embody the spirit of Canadian aquatics: inclusive, high-performing, and community-driven. From a child taking their first swimming lesson to an Olympian preparing for the world stage, every lane tells part of its story. The induction of Saanich Commonwealth Place into the BC Swimming Hall of Fame recognizes not only its record-setting history, but also its enduring role in shaping generations of swimmers, coaches, and aquatic leaders – a true legacy facility whose impact reaches far beyond its pool deck. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tom Bryce – Builder

For more than four decades, Tom Bryce has been a defining figure in Canadian aquatics, a visionary leader whose work has shaped both community recreation and high-performance sport in British Columbia. Born and raised in Montreal’s West Island, Bryce began his aquatic career at the Pointe-Claire Aquatic Centre, one of Canada’s most respected swimming programs. In the late 1970s, he brought his passion west to Vernon, BC, where he transformed a small community swim club into a thriving program that emphasized both excellence and participation. After nearly a decade on the pool deck, Bryce transitioned from coaching to aquatic management, first in Saint John, New Brunswick, and later returning to British Columbia in 1993 to become the inaugural Manager of Saanich Commonwealth Place. Over the next 25 years, Bryce guided the facility into one of Canada’s premier aquatic centres. Under his leadership, Saanich Commonwealth Place hosted the 1994 Commonwealth Games, the 2006 Pan Pacific Championships, multiple Canadian Swimming Trials, and countless provincial and national competitions, all while welcoming hundreds of thousands of community swimmers each year. His ability to balance elite sport with accessible community programming made the facility a model of inclusion and excellence. Bryce’s vision went beyond operations. He launched initiatives that upheld world-class standards and strengthened community impact. For over two decades, he united BC’s swimming leaders and mentored many who now shape the sport today. Under his stewardship, Saanich Commonwealth Place received national recognition, including the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association’s Award of Merit and the BC Parks and Recreation Association’s Facility Excellence Award. Yet Bryce’s proudest achievement was not the awards, but the spirit of cooperation and community that fueled the facility’s enduring success. In his own words, Tom Bryce has “always liked to build things.” What he built, a facility, a culture, and a legacy of collaboration, continues to define BC swimming and stands as a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve. His induction into the BC Swimming Hall of Fame honours a true builder whose influence will continue to ripple through Canadian aquatics for generations to come.

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