Anna '28 Makes Waves with Record-Breaking Swims

From an early age, Anna ’28 found herself drawn to the water. She started swimming in ASD’s early swimming program, steadily advancing through the levels until she earned a spot on the ASD swim team. 

This school year, Anna made waves at MESAC, setting new records that she hadn't even been aiming for. "I knew the MESAC times roughly, but they weren’t the main focus for me this season. I just wanted to stay in the moment and enjoy the team atmosphere," she shared. One of her proudest moments came when she and her relay teammates broke an 11-year-old school record. 

"We had been aiming for a relay record all season, and right before the race, we realized how close we were to the MESAC record. We decided to go for it. When we set the new record, it was such a special moment because we had achieved it together."

Preparing for MESAC was no easy feat. Her training schedule is relentless, but she has learned how to balance it all. "I just find time between sessions, late at night, and during long car rides to keep up with schoolwork."

Her journey hasn't been without challenges. Last year, she faced a difficult injury that tested her mental resilience. "That experience helped me realize how special my opportunities are, and it keeps me focused," she said. "I also have so many supportive friends and family who push me to be better."

Before a big race, she turns to her coaches for advice and visualizes her swim. "Sometimes, I walk through what I want to do during the race. Physically, I do exercises to warm up, but mentally, I remind myself to trust my training."

Anna looks up to many athletes, but one who stands out is Kylie Masse. "She had a really bad injury that prevented her from kicking for a long time but still came back and won bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games. Her determination is inspiring."

Her family has played an enormous role in supporting her journey, helping her access opportunities to grow as an athlete. Her friends, both in and out of the pool, have been equally instrumental. 

"My swim friends push me in training and competitions, and my school friends keep me grounded. I see them all week at school and also make time on weekends."

Looking ahead, Anna has ambitious goals. In the short term, she wants to refine small details in her technique and maintain a strong mindset. Long-term, she dreams of competing in high-stakes meets in Canada and eventually swimming at the collegiate level. "I’m trying to qualify for meets like the Canadian Trials and the Ontario Junior International competition. My goal is to swim in university."

Reflecting on her experience as part of the ASD swim team, Anna has simple but meaningful advice: "Try everything. You may not know what you like yet, so be a multisport athlete. Even now, when I’m so busy with swimming, I still try to play other sports. And most importantly, have fun! Some of my best races have happened when I was just swimming loose."