LadysmithB次元官网网址檚 Colton Gonzales has been named SwimBCB次元官网网址檚 Provincial Male Swimmer of the Year for 2024. Representing the Ladysmith Chemainus Orcas Swim Club, the 15-year-old has earned national attention in competitive swimming for his achievements.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 pretty cool,B次元官网网址� Colton said about the recognition. B次元官网网址淚 know a bunch of the previous guys who got it and to think IB次元官网网址檓 on the same level as that is pretty cool.B次元官网网址�

The recognition from SwimBC, the governing body for competitive swimming in the province, gives the young swimmer confidence he is headed in the right direction.

"It reaffirms that what IB次元官网网址檓 working toward is there, my efforts are being rewarded and people are looking at me," he said.

What is he working toward?

B次元官网网址淗opefully the Olympics,B次元官网网址� Gonzales said noting that his next big meet will be in Victoria next year.

When asked about the dates of those Trials, 15-year-old Gonzales admitted he wasnB次元官网网址檛 sure and deferred to his dad, Brandon Gonzales, who is also head coach of the Orcas.

B次元官网网址淚 just go and swim fast,B次元官网网址� the teen joked.

Gonzales confirmed that his son is training for the Canadian Swimming Trials in Victoria in June 2025. These trials will serve as the selection event for national-level swimmers aiming to represent Canada in upcoming international competitions.

"That's the height of swimming in Canada," the coach said.

Gonzales shared his pride in his sonB次元官网网址檚 accomplishments and talked about what itB次元官网网址檚 like balancing his dual roles as both dad and coach.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 impressive to see not only as a coach but as a parent,B次元官网网址� Gonzales said. B次元官网网址淚 tell people, I canB次元官网网址檛 make him do anything, itB次元官网网址檚 his choice to do the things that he wants to do. The massive ingredient is that he loves it.B次元官网网址�

The teenB次元官网网址檚 love for swimming is evident and has kept him dedicated for almost a decade of swim training.

"Every time IB次元官网网址檓 in the water, IB次元官网网址檓 happy,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭he feel of the water and the competition B次元官网网址� it drives me.B次元官网网址�

While Gonzales is clearly driven, itB次元官网网址檚 important to both him and his coach that he has a life outside of swimming.

B次元官网网址淐olton only trains five days a week,B次元官网网址� Brandon Gonzales explained, B次元官网网址淪omeone at his level might train eight to 10 times a week, plus gym sessions. We focus on balance because I want longevity and health B次元官网网址� not just in swimming, but in life.B次元官网网址�

In recent years, the sports world has reckoned with the intense pressures placed on elite athletes. Competitors like gymnast Simone Biles prioritized her mental health during the Tokyo Olympics, tennis star Naomi Osaka took time off from the pressures of intense competition to focus on her well-being, and swimmer Michael Phelps has spoken openly about his battles with depression. These actions have sparked important conversations about the need for balance in competitive sports.

The Gonzales familyB次元官网网址檚 balanced approach reflects this evolving mindset.

B次元官网网址淭oo much of any one thing is not good,B次元官网网址� Head Coach Gonzales said. B次元官网网址淓ven if you love it, if you do it too much, it turns into work. I want Colton to still love swimming and not be scarred by the dedication it can take to go far.B次元官网网址�

Gonzales hopes to foster not only ColtonB次元官网网址檚 success but also a lifelong love of swimming.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 not trying to create superstars; IB次元官网网址檓 trying to create healthy, strong people,B次元官网网址� he said.

As Colton Gonzales continues to garner recognition, like the Provincial Male Swimmer of the Year title from SwimBC, and pursue his Olympic dreams, he does so with joy, balance and the support of his family and community.