BC Swimmers Shines at 2025 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials

Jun 25, 2025

June 1–7 | Saanich Commonwealth Place, Victoria, BC The 2025 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials, hosted at the Saanich Commonwealth Place in Victoria, BC, brought together Canada’s top swimmers for six days of elite racing, national team selections, and milestone performances. The Trials served as the selection event for upcoming international competitions, Swim BC athletes demonstrated exceptional strength, technical precision, and competitive drive across all event categories – senior, junior, and para.   Club Representation and Swimmer Participation Swimmers from across the province contributed to a strong BC presence at the competition, with 174 athletes from 27 clubs competing in a total of 759 events.
Day 1: Women’s 200m Breaststroke
  • Shima Taghavi (HYACK) – 4th place Senior / 1st place Junior – 2:30.33
  • Maelle Sanborn (UVPCS) – 2nd place Junior –  2:33.36.
  Men’s 200m Breaststroke
  • Justice Migneault (UBCT/HPCVN) – 2nd place Senior – 2:13.74.
  • Justin Jung (OS) – 10th place Senior – 2:16.23.
  • Evan Vellescig (HYACK) – 4th place Junior – 2:18.94.
  Women’s 100m Backstroke
  • Taylor Ruck (KAJ) – 2nd place Senior – 58.93.
  • Bridget Burton (ISC/HPCVN) – 7th place Senior – 1:01.98.
  • Katelyn Schroeder (OS) – 8th place Senior – 1:02.01.
  Men’s 100m Backstroke
  • Kai Lilienthal (UBCT) – 9th place Senior – 56.84.
  • Canek Bracho (UBCT) – 12th place Senior – 57.22.
  Para: Women’s 100m Breaststroke
  • Sophie Wood (UVPCS, SB9) – 2nd place para – 1:29.12.
  Para: Men’s 100m Breaststroke
  • Fernando Lu (OS, SB9) – 2nd place para – 1:10.84.
  Women’s 400m Freestyle
  • Emma O’Croinin (UBCT/HPCVN) – 4th place Senior – 4:14.35.
  • Julia Strojnowska (OS) – 8th place Senior – 4:22.62.
  • Taryn Weatherhead (KISU) – 9th place Senior – 4:19.24.
  • Abigail McLeod (WDSC) – 4th place Junior – 4:17.73.
  • Naomi Mynott (WDSC) – 7th place Junior – 4:20.24.
  Men’s 400m Freestyle
  • Aiden Kirk (KAJ) –  5th place Senior / 2nd place junior – 3:54.41.
 
Day 2: Women’s 50m Backstroke
  • Eloise Allen (UBCT) – 6th place Senior – 28.84.
  • Bridget Burton (ISC/HPCVN) – 7th place Senior – 28.89.
  • Katelyn Schroeder (OS) – 11th place Senior – 29.84.
  • Leanne Chen (SKSC) – 11th place Junior / provincial record – 30.15
  Men’s 50m Backstroke
  • Canek Bracho (UBCT) – 10th place Senior – 26.34.
  Women’s 100m Butterfly
  • Leilani Fack (OS) – 8th place Senior – 1:00.90.
  • Brooklyn Wiens (UBCT) – 12th place Senior – 1:01.56
  • Taryn Weatherhead (KISU) – 4th place Junior – 1:00.72.
  • Emilie J Golinowski (KAJ) – 9th place Junior – 1:02.54
  Men’s 100m Butterfly
  • Keir Ogilvie (UVPCS) – 11th place Senior – 54.04.
  • Kai Lilienthal (UBCT) – 12th place Senior – 54.08
  • Wells Ginzer (UBCT) – 13TH place Senior – 54.53
  Women’s 400m Freestyle (Para)
  • Mary Jibb (PSW, S9) – 1st place Para – 4:52.69.
  • Sophie Wood (UVPCS, S10) – 5th place Para – 5:16.20.
  Men’s 400m Freestyle (Para)
  • Ken Stroud (OS, S10) – 3rd place Para – 4:38.84.
Men’s 200m Freestyle (Para)
  • Sebastian Massabie (PSW, S5) – 4th place Para – 3:01.46.
  Men’s 1500m Freestyle
  • Aiden Kirk (KAJ) – 2nd place Senior/ 1st place Junior – 15:32.90.
  • Eric Hedlin (UVPCS) – 12th place Senior – 15:52.86.
  • Zachary McLeod (WDSC) – 14th Senior/ 6th Juniors – 15:56.31.
  Women’s 800m Freestyle
  • Naomi Mynott (WDSC) – 6th Senior / 2nd Juniors –  8:55.20.
  • Julia Strojnowska (OS) – 7th Senior – 8:58.62.
  • Ruby Kehlers (KAJ) – 12th Senior / 6th Juniors – 9:02.10.
  • Juliet Nicholson (KAJ) – 11th Junior – 9:08.43.
 
Day 3: Men’s 50m Butterfly (Para)
  • Sebastian Massabie (PSW, S5) National Record – 1st place Para – 35.84
  • Roy Pan (UVPCS, S6) – 3rd place Para – 40.77
  Women’s 50m Freestyle
  • Taylor Ruck (KAJ) – 2nd Senior – 24.96.
  • Leilani Fack (OS) – 11th Senior – 26.06.
  • Kelly A. Choi (KAJ) – 3rd Junior – 25.86.
  Men’s 50m Freestyle
  • Luke Stewart-Beinder (OS) – 8th Senior – 23.00.
Women’s 100m Breaststroke
  • Eloise Allen (UBCT) – 4th Senior – 1:09.92.
  • Shima Taghavi (HYACK) – 6th Senior / 2nd Junior – 1:10.93.
  • Maelle Sanborn (UVPCS) – 5th Junior – 1:11.63.
  Men’s 100m Breaststroke
  • Justin Jung (OS) – 7th Senior – 1:03.43.
  • Evan Vellescig (HYACK) – 8th Senior/ 7th Junior – 1:04.16.
  Women’s 100m Freestyle (Para)
  • Mary Jibb (PSW, S9) – 2nd – 1:04.13 / 957 pts.
  Men’s 100m Freestyle (Para)
  • Ken Stroud (OS, S10) – 3rd – 57.50 / 864 pts.
  Women’s 200m Medley
  • Emma Spence (UBCT) – 12th Senior – 2:19.92.
  • Sarah Haugen (CRKW) – 15th Senior – 2:22.37
  • Marlee Winser (KISU) – 6th Junior – 2:19.19.
  Men’s 200m Medley
  • Collyn Gagne (OS) – 4th Senior – 2:01.44.
  • Marcus Mak (ISC/SFU) – 8th Senior – 2:03.66.
  • Liam Chew (KAJ) – 7th Junior – 2:06.73.
 
Day 4: Women’s 100m Butterfly (Para)
  • Sophie Wood (UVPCS, S10) – 5th – 1:19.67 / 751 pts.
  Men’s 100m Butterfly (Para)
  • Fernando Lu (OS, S10) – 1st – 58.20 / 956 pts.
  Women’s 200m Butterfly
  • Emilie J. Golinowski (KAJ) – 12th Senior – 2:18.24.
  • Ziyun Liu (VPSC) – 15th Senior – 2:19.50.
  • Taryn Weatherhead (KISU) – 4th Junior – 2:16.09.
  • Naomi Mynott (WDSC) – 6th Junior – 2:17.15
  Men’s 200m Butterfly
  • Bill Dongfang (ISC) – 4th Senior – 1:59.21.
  • Minhyuk Park (OS) – 8th Senior / 3rd Junior – 2:01.78.
  • Aiden Kirk (KAJ) – 1st Junior – 2:00.49.
  • Zachary McLeod (WDSC) – 5th Junior – 2:03.57.
  • Max Wu (PSW) – 8th Junior – 2:06.95.
  • Jihoon Bae (OS) – 9th Junior – 2:07.34.
  Women’s 100m Freestyle
  • Taylor Ruck (KAJ) – 2nd Senior – 54.41.
  • Leilani Fack (OS) – 13th Senior – 56.57.
  • Kelly A. Choi (KAJ) – 5th Junior – 56.37.
  • Marlee Winser (KISU) – 7th Junior – 57.31.
  Men’s 100m Freestyle
  • Luke Stewart-Beinder (OS) – 12th Senior – 50.58.
  Women’s 50m Breaststroke
  • Nina R. McEachern (KISU) – 6th Junior – 33.12.
  Men’s 50m Breaststroke
  • Justice Migneault (UBCT/ HPCVN) – 28.45
  • Marcus Mak (ISC/SFU) – 28.82
  • Jordan Raume (COMOX) – 15th Senior – 29.59.
  • Evan Vellescig (HYACK) – 8th Junior – 29.17.
  Women’s 50m Freestyle (Para)
  • Sophie Wood (UVPCS, S10) – 4th – 30.29 / 885 pts.
  Men’s 50m Freestyle (Para)
  • Fernando Lu (OS, S10) – 1st – 24.44 / 965 pts.
  • Ken Stroud (OS, S10) – 5th – 25.86 / 889 pts.
  • Sebastian Massabie (PSW, S5) National Record – 6th place Senior – 35.42 / 847 pts
Day 5: Women’s 400m Medley
  • Shima Taghavi (HYACK) – 4th Senior / 1st Junior – 4:52.10.
  • Ruby H. Kehler (KAJ) – 8th Senior / 6th Junior – 4:57.40.
  • Naomi Mynott (WDSC) – 3rd Junior – 4:53.50.
  • Michelle Zeng (WVOSC) – 9th Junior – 4:59.95.
  Men’s 400m Medley
  • Collyn Gagne (OS) – 4th Senior – 4:19.42.
  • Aiden Kirk (KAJ) – 7th Senior / 2nd Junior – 4:29.65.
  • Justin Jung (OS) – 13th Senior – 4:32.78.
  • Owen Jibb (PSW) – 14th Senior – 4:35.05.
  • Liam R. Chew (KAJ) – 4th Junior – 4:32.72.
  • Derex Yang (HYACK) – 8th Junior – 4:38.83.
  Men’s 150m Medley (Para)
  • Riley J. Martin (KISU, SM4) – 3:17.44 / 658 pts.
  Women’s 200m Medley (Para)
  • Sophie Wood (UVPCS, SM10) – 4th place Para – 2:47.25 / 858 pts.
  Men’s 200m Medley (Para)
  • Fernando Lu (OS, SM10) – 3rd place Para – 2:19.67 / 942 pts.
  • Ken Stroud (OS, SM10) – 4th place Para – 2:23.72 / 903 pts.
  • Cameron Chambers (KISU, SM14) – 7th place Para – 2:28.80 / 816 pts.
  Men’s 200m Backstroke (Para)
  • Liam R. Chew (KAJ) – 6th place Junior – 2:06.47 / 693 pts.
  • Alexandru Velicico (OS) – 8th place Junior – 2:06.87 / 686 pts.
  Women’s 200m Backstroke
  • Bridget Burton (ISC / HPCVN) – 7th place Senior – 2:14.67.
  • Katelyn Schroeder (OS) – 9th place Senior – 2:14.98.
  • Muqing Zhang (VPSC) – 10th place Junior – 2:19.65.
  • Hannah B. Rutten (KISU) – 11th place Junior – 2:22.35.
Day 6: Women’s 200m Freestyle
  • Julia Strojnowska (OS) – 14th Senior – 2:04.30.
  • Ruby H. Kehler (KAJ) – 9th Junior – 2:04.49.
  Men’s 200m Freestyle
  • Minhyuk Park (OS) – 10th place Junior – 1:54.51.
  Women’s 50m Butterfly
  • Taylor Ruck (KAJ) – 1st Senior – 26.47.
  • Paige Korbely (HYACK) – 8th Senior / 4th Junior – 27.82.
  • Leilani Fack (OS) – 9th Senior – 27.53.
  • Bridget Burton (ISC / HPCVN) – 11th Senior – 27.88.
  • Ziyu O. Zhou (CDSC) – 5th Junior – 27.89.
  • Emilie J. Golinowski (KAJ) – 8th Junior – 28.25.
  Men’s 50m Butterfly
  • Kai Lilienthal (UBCT) – 6th Senior – 24.41.
  • Justice Migneault (UBCT/HPCVN) – 8th Senior – 24.74.
  Women’s 100m Backstroke (Para)
  • Mary C. Jibb (PSW, S9) – 3rd place Para – 1:13.74 / 931 pts.
  • Sophie Wood (UVPCS, S10) – 6th place Para – 1:17.72 / 839 pts.
  Men’s 100m Backstroke (Para)
  • Fernando Lu (OS, S10) – 4th place Para – 1:05.04 / 902 pts.
  • Ken Stroud (OS, S10) – 5th place Para – 1:06.47 / 871 pts.
  • Cameron Chambers (KISU, S14) – 7th place Para – 1:08.46 / 773 pts.
  Men’s 800m Freestyle
  • Aiden Kirk (KAJ) – 2nd Senior / 1st Junior – 8:06.17.
  • Zachary McLeod (WDSC) – 11th Senior / 5th Junior – 8:20.76.
  • Minhyuk Park (OS) – 18th Senior / 10th Junior – 8:28.65.
  • Nevio Peters (ISC) – 16th Junior – 8:36.26.
  Women’s 1500m Freestyle
  • Abigail McLeod (WDSC) – 4th Senior / 1st Junior – 16:51.54.
  • Naomi Mynott (WDSC) – 6th Senior / 3rd Junior – 17:06.14.
  • Lila Koropatniski (ISC) – 11th Junior – 17:30.24.
  • Juliet J. Nicholson (KAJ) – 12th Junior – 17:30.29.
  • Michelle Zeng (WVOSC) – 15th Junior – 17:39.57.
  • Ruby H. Kehler (KAJ) – 17th Junior – 17:47.59.
  • Mila Chernenkoff (UVPCS) – 19th Junior – 17:52.36.
  Congratulates all athletes on their performances this week and thanks the coaches, volunteers, and officials whose efforts made the event possible.

Team Announced for 2025 Canada Summer Games

Jun 23, 2025

Swim BC is proud to announce the selection of swimmers who will represent British Columbia at the 2025 Canada Summer Games, taking place in St. John’s, Newfoundland from August 10–15, 2025, with team travel dates from August 7–17. The Canada Games is a vital stepping stone for young athletes across the country and a celebration of sport excellence and teamwork.

This achievement reflects not only the swimmer’s talent but also the commitment and the support of their coaches and their family.

We are proud to recognize and congratulate the following athletes and staff selected to Team BC:

 
Female Swimmers:

Kelly Choi (KAJ) – Coached by Marc Tremblay

Yingxuan Lucy Liu (CDSC) – Coached by Kelly Taitinger Naomi Mynott (WDSC) – Coached by Judy Baker Ziyu (Olivia) Zhou (CDSC) – Coached by Kelly Taitinger Muqing (Emma) Zhang (VPSC) – Coached by Ryan Gurney Maelle Sanborn (UVPCS) – Coached by Rod Barratt Maiysa Montakhab (OS) –  Coached by Ryan Skomorowski Emilie Golinowski (KAJ) – Coached by Marc Tremblay Marlee Hourston (ISC) – Coached by Lucien Zucchi Shae Murtha (OS) – Coached by Ryan Skomorowski Michelle Zeng (WVOSC) – Coached by Janusz Kaczmarek Riley Miller (KAJ) – Coached by Marc Tremblay Sophie Wood (UVPCS) – Coached by Rod Barratt Catherine McCurrach (CSSSC) – Coached by Patrick Waters Brea Duncan (VKSC) – Renate Terpstra coach Alicia Waet (Special Olympics) Haliey Borowski (Special Olympics)
Male Swimmers:

Zac Millns (CRKW) – Coached by Richard Millns

Chase Saxon (ISC) – Coached by Lucien Zucchi Allen Wu (OS) – Coached by Brian Metcalfe Colton Gonzales (LCSC) – Coached by Brandon Gonzales Alex Velicico (OS) – Coached by Brian Metcalfe Burton Li (HST) – Coached by Brad Hutton Yiguo Song (RAPID) – Coached by Rob Pettifier Preston Seneviratne (SKSC) – Coached by Reg Shaw Max Wu (PSW) – Coached by Jy Lawrence Derex Yang (HYACK) – Coached by Andrew Lennstrom Liam Chew (KAJ) – Coached by Marc Tremblay Alex Camaraire (UVPCS) – Coached by Rod Barratt Ken Stroud (OS) – Coached by Ryan Skomorowski Roy Pan (UVPCS) – Coached by Alexx Greenfield Mohammed (Omran) Majidzada (SKSC) – Ronald Veentra Owen Ethan Arnason (Special Olympics) Ramon Julian Siytangco (Special Olympics)   Team staff will be announced soon. Stay tuned for updates!

As we look ahead to the Canada Games, Swim BC celebrates the achievements of these developing athletes and the clubs and coaches who have supported their journeys. We know they will represent British Columbia with pride, perseverance, and passion in Newfoundland this August. Congratulations, Team BC!

Calling For Officials and Volunteers

Jun 2, 2025

With Divisionals approaching, we are seeking volunteers to ensure the success of the 2025 Summer Divisionals and Provincials. Whether you are local or coming in to support a swimmer, helping with even 1 session makes all the difference. Divisionals – Vancouver & Fraser Dates: June 27-29, 2025 Location: Central Park Outdoor Pool (Burnaby) Click Here! Divisionals – Island & Coastal Vancouver Dates: June 27-29, 2025 Location: Hollyburn Country Club (West Vancouver) Click Here! Divisionals – North & Interior Dates: June 27-29, 2025 Location: H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre (Kelowna) Click Here! Provincial Championships Dates: July 17-20, 2025 Location: UBC Aquatic Centre (Vancouver) Click Here! Your support helps create an amazing experience for all athletes. Thank you for stepping up and making a difference!

Swim BC Announces Appointment of Elmar Heger as New Executive Director

May 2, 2025

The Board of Directors of Swim BC is thrilled to announce the appointment of Elmar Heger as the organization’s new Executive Director. Following a comprehensive search process, Elmar emerged as the ideal candidate to lead Swim BC into its next chapter, bringing a wealth of experience in sport leadership, a deep passion for swimming, and a proven track record of organizational growth and community engagement.

Elmar joins Swim BC after a successful six-year tenure as General Manager/Executive Director of Biathlon Alberta, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in overseeing all operational and strategic aspects, expanding revenue, increasing staffing, and growing event participation. His professional background spans over two decades in sports and marketing, including significant time dedicated directly to swimming as both a swim coach and a strength and conditioning specialist for swimmers at various levels, from grassroots to national teams. He has also served as Head Coach for master’s swim clubs and university teams. This extensive background provides Elmar with a profound understanding and appreciation of the athlete development pathway.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Elmar Heger to lead Swim BC,” said Jeannie Lo, Swim BC President. “Elmar’s combination of strategic leadership experience, financial acumen, proven ability to build stakeholder relationships, and his deep, personal connection to aquatics make him uniquely qualified for this role. His experience as a former professional athlete, coach, and successful non-profit leader resonates strongly with our values of Community, Integrity, Innovation, and Stewardship. We are confident that under his leadership, Swim BC will continue to enhance its support for athletes, coaches, officials, and clubs across the province, further advancing the sport of swimming in British Columbia and Canada.”

Elmar holds a degree in Sport Science/Sport Management with a focus on aquatic sports, strategic marketing, events, and sponsoring. His energetic, forward-thinking approach and expertise in strategic planning, operational oversight, and fund development will be invaluable assets as Swim BC works to implement its strategic priorities and serve its members.

“I am honoured and deeply motivated to take on the role of Executive Director for Swim BC,” said Elmar Heger. “My passion for swimming is longstanding, and I am eager to apply my leadership experience to support and grow this vibrant community. I look forward to working closely with the Board, staff, athletes, coaches, officials, and partners to build upon Swim BC’s successes and foster excellence at every level of the sport.”

The Board of Directors also wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the outgoing Executive Director, Ken Radford. Ken has dedicated many years of service to Swim BC and the broader swimming community, leaving an indelible mark on the sport in British Columbia. His leadership, commitment, and passion have been instrumental in the organization’s development, and we thank him sincerely for his significant contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Elmar Heger will officially assume his role as Executive Director on June 2nd, 2025.

Call for Nominations to the Swim BC Board of Directors

Apr 23, 2025

* We appreciate all applicants for their interest. This position has now been filled.

The Swim BC Board of Directors is seeking nominations for one vacancy in the position of Director at Large for a 2.5-year term. In this position, you will also be required to participate in at least one board committee.
 
This is a great opportunity for members of the community who are passionate about the development of swimming in BC to contribute their leadership and expertise.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit an expression of interest for more information or to complete the nomination documents linked here!
 
Nominations will be accepted until the vacancy has been filled. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact:
 
Kristi Mcintosh, Chair of the Nominations Committee, nominations@swimbc.ca or Jeannie Lo, President, at president@swimbc.ca/

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