Canada’s New Swimming Scholarship Program: Elevate Your Path to Success
Swimming Canada has unveiled an exciting scholarship initiative aimed at developing the country’s emerging swimming talent. This program provides promising NextGen swimmers the chance to train at Canada’s premier High Performance Centres (HPCs) while supporting their academic and athletic ambitions.
The High Performance Centre Scholarship Program offers up to $5,000 a year for two years to athletes under 17. This allows them to visit HPC-Vancouver at the University of British Columbia or HPC-Ontario at a leading sports facility in Toronto. If the athlete commits to full-time training at one of these centers after high school, they can access an additional $10,000 per year for up to four years to cover training and living expenses.
A Gateway to Excellence
“Our aim is to provide young athletes with a clear path to explore these centres, experience their benefits, and, if they choose, fully commit to them,” said Ken McKinnon, National Development Coach for Swimming Canada. “The athletes who receive coaching at these centres will get financial support in order to maximize their performance.”
The High Performance Centres provide expert coaching and support from science and medical teams, creating a top-level training environment for athletes aiming for international success.
McKinnon said that the centres are designed to support athletes, with coaches fully dedicated to helping them achieve their high-performance goals.
These centres have a strong record of producing world and Olympic medalists, including Penny Oleksiak, Kylie Masse, Sydney Pickrem, Joshua Liendo, and Finlay Knox. Athletes can also take classes and earn a degree at the University of Toronto or UBC while training.
High Performance Centre Coaches and Scholarship Program
Ryan Mallette became head coach of the High Performance Centre – Ontario in July 2022, after serving as associate head coach since 2019. Before that, he led the High Performance Centre – Victoria from 2015 to 2019, where he coached Olympic medalists Ryan Cochrane and Hilary Caldwell.
Scott Talbot, a two-time Olympian from New Zealand, was appointed head coach of the High Performance Centre – Vancouver in August 2022. He recently coached Finlay Knox to a gold medal at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha.
Olympic medalist Brent Hayden is also among the centre’s notable alumni.
Program Highlights for Swimmers and Parents
The scholarship program is for Grade 11 swimmers. It offers them a chance to visit one or both centres, with a parent or coach allowed to join.
McKinnon stated, “Any leftover funds after the visit can be used for other approved swimming activities.”
Swimmers who commit to a High Performance Centre can get an extra $5,000 during their final year of high school.
McKinnon stated that the head coach at each centre will work closely with the swimmer’s home coach to plan visits and build a strong relationship.
Swimmers who live near a centre can train weekly with the program. This helps them and their home coach prepare for a smooth transition to becoming a full-time centre athlete after high school or earlier if ready.
Success Stories from the Program
Fifteen-year-old Madison Kryger of Brock Niagara Aquatics described her time at HPC-Ontario as transformative: “The atmosphere is incredible, with everyone motivating each other to reach their goals. The support staff has significantly improved my training, technique, and overall performance.”
Madison’s head coach, Dave Ling, emphasized the collaborative approach between her home club and HPC-Ontario, highlighting how a balanced support system enabled her growth.
Unparalleled Resources for Athletes
Swimming Canada’s High Performance Centres are designed to support every single aspect of athlete development:
- Coaching and training aligned with national programs.
- Access to sport science, medical support, therapy, and mental performance consultants.
- Dryland and gym training, nutritional consultations, and resources for life post-swimming.
Swimmers like Sophie Angus say the centres’ world-class training and supportive environment helped them succeed. “It feels like a second family,” she said.
Javier Acevedo, another HPC graduate, shared how the centres helped him balance life in and out of the pool, boosting both his physical and mental performance.
Who Can Apply?
The program focuses on Track 1 athletes with strong aerobic training across different strokes and distances. However, athletes with less advanced coaching experience can still join if they show strong potential.
Even athletes who don’t receive scholarships may qualify for weekly training visits.
In its first year, eight athletes will join the program, with their home coaches and parents helping to plan their training.
Long-Term Goals and Expansion
Swimming Canada envisions this program as a catalyst for retaining talented swimmers within Canada’s world-class system. Athletes studying abroad or exploring new opportunities post graduation are encouraged to consider these centres for their continued development.
John Atkinson, High Performance Director and National Coach, said, “The High Performance Centres provide a direct path to Olympic success, all while keeping athletes in Canada.”
With support from Own the Podium, Sport Canada, and the Canadian Olympic Committee, the program is set to grow in the coming years, ensuring more athletes can access the resources needed to achieve their goals.
A Final Push Toward Excellence
Blake Tierney, a swimmer at HPC-Vancouver, summed up the program’s essence: “When everyone around you is motivated and pushing hard, it’s impossible not to push yourself to new limits.”
For swimmers aiming for international success, Swimming Canada’s High Performance Centres provide top training, scholarships, and a supportive community to help you succeed. Interested athletes can find more information here.
