Swimming Canada Issues Statement On Future of Trials Amid Ontario Lockdown

Swimming Canada released a brief statement on Wednesday addressing the current COVID-19 restrictions imposed around the country, and specifically in Ontario, and how they could potentially impact next month’s Olympic Trials.

Originally scheduled for early April, the Canadian Olympic Trials were moved back to May 24-28 in January, set to take place at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. There is also a High Performance Test Event scheduled for May 7-8 at the same pool.

A stay-at-home order was imposed by Ontario Premier Doug Ford on April 8, and he’s since announced it will be extended through May 20 as the province experiences a record-high in cases.

Swimming Canada says both the Test Event and Trials have been planned for months to be held safely in a lockdown scenario, “including a comprehensive safety plan, with strong protocols including limited participant numbers, separate entry-exit protocols, masks, distancing and cleaning to ensure a safe competitive environment in and around the pool.”

“We have developed robust safety protocols to deliver an event that will allow us to safely choose the best teams to represent Canada at the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Swimming Canada CEO Ahmed El-Awadi.

“We are aware of the recent media reports regarding the situation in Ontario and other provinces, and we recognize the uncertainty this creates for all the participants across Canada. We are receiving feedback and questions from people across our swimming and sport community. We understand the concerns and we are seeking more information to make the best decisions possible.”

The organization is currently in contact with its government and sport partners and will provide more information when details become available.

“As an athlete, I understand the preparation and focus that goes into an Olympic and Paralympic Trials,” said President Cheryl Gibson, a 1976 Olympic medalist in the women’s 400 IM.

“As an organization, we have to ensure we can run an event that puts health and safety first. The board of Swimming Canada has challenged management to do this to the best of its ability. This past year has required us to be more adaptable than ever, and we will continue to adapt as additional information becomes available and as circumstances change.”

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swimguy46
3 years ago

Im really not sure they can justify flying swimmers and coaches into one of the worst COVID clusters in North America right now. It just seems wrong.

Toronto Kid
3 years ago

It’s really hard to get excited about sports in Toronto when 30-40 people a day are dying. I know it’s not the athlete’s or SwimmingCanada’s fault, it’s just hard.

The West is Best
Reply to  Toronto Kid
3 years ago

Toronto sucks. Trials should be hosted in Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary.

Testing
3 years ago

It does not seem clear if they plan to do any testing before or during their trials meet. Can anyone confirm testing or no testing there?

P.C
3 years ago

Would be surprised to see Santo here haha

Taa
3 years ago

Its time to do a trade for Taylor Ruck. Send them 5 Million vaccine doses in exchange for Ms Ruck representing USA

RMS
Reply to  Taa
3 years ago

Could you imagine if Taylor was on the US 4×100 free relay? That would be a great race to see against the Australians.

SwimPim
Reply to  RMS
3 years ago

Taylor Ruck on the Canadian 4 x 100 FR is probably also going to be a great race to see against the Australians

njones
Reply to  SwimPim
3 years ago

+ Penny 52 low
+ Kayla just dropping 53.5 best time
+ Maggie continually improving

Troyy
Reply to  RMS
3 years ago

Could you imagine if Ruck were on the Australian 4×100 free relay? Everyone else be swimming for minor medals.

Last edited 3 years ago by Troyy
kevin
Reply to  Troyy
3 years ago

Everybody is racing for minor medals Australia will win a canter

ThirdTimeCancellingTrials
Reply to  Troyy
3 years ago

Hear me out,
USA gets Taylor, Canada gets 10 mil vaccines but we bring in ENG and BRZ.
Canada gets the steal of a trade by taking Bruno Fratus and ENG comes in to take Guido so peaty doesn’t have to make up 4 seconds on the US or Russia and in return Canada and ENG each pay 50% for a pool with a roof in Brazil.

Jane
Reply to  RMS
3 years ago

Taylor does not have US citizenship and she has already qualified for the Canadian Olympic Team

toocool4u
Reply to  Jane
3 years ago

cue the sad horns.

Canadian Swimmer
Reply to  Taa
3 years ago

Trades in swimming are being underexplored tbh. GB getting a men’s backstroker, or Brazil a pool that has a roof. Theres a lot of potential there.

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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