2022 Canada Games Team Feature

Leading up to the 2022 Canada Games, we are sharing stories about some of the people representing Team Ontario in the pool this summer

Chris Ellul has an interesting way of describing how he entered coaching in the world of amateur sport.

There were times, and likely when he zeroed in on computer animation and film study during his days in college, that Ellul seemed destined on a career in cinematography. But that may have changed because of – water.

Yes, swimming pool water – the same stuff that he abhorred as a youngster.

Not one to leave a positive impression during parent and tot lessons, Ellul gradually started to take a liking for the activity and became an extremely strong swimmer.

There would come a time when Ellul, focussed more on the recreational side more than competitive swimming, worked towards becoming a lifeguard. It was then, at age 13, when the signs appeared of his desire to help people.

“If someone was in trouble, needed my help, I was there for them,” said Ellul, thinking about his teen years. “I remember making some conscientious decisions back then and was determined to follow through on ways to offer assistance.”

Ellul thought about becoming a firefighter, a police officer, and a paramedic. Then, came that special time in his life, when he was offered an introductory position to coach swimmers with the same Oshawa Aquatic Club that he had joined earlier.

There was no turning back for Ellul.

“An art career became the hobby, while my sport became the career,” said Ellul, who lives in Bowmanville with his wife and their two children. “The passion and having a skill like swimming, I felt confident that I could help young kids learn to swim, enjoy it and go after the competitive side if they were up to it.”

Developing character in a young swimmer is big on Ellul’s personal agenda.

“I remind all my swimmers about accountability, reliability and coachability,” said Ellul. “Those three words can amount to long term success that goes well beyond swimming. What’s also important, is that I want swimmers to have a say in everything they do, to know that I am approachable and there to help them learn.”

With a splendid 17-year coaching career in swimming, the last 10 with the Scarborough Swim Club – an organization that is soon to top 200 people – Ellul saw an opportunity that he believed would enhance his skills, gain him valuable experience, and put him in a spot to guide and encourage others.

“I saw a letter that outlined a need for a lead coach for para swimmers,” he said. “I applied, had a telephone interview, and had a game plan on my strengths and what I could do. Things appeared to go so well that I was offered the job (by Swim Ontario) to coach Ontario para swimmers at the Canada Games.

“It was a huge moment for me, and I felt extremely excited. It was also my first time to these Games. I have worked with para swimmers before and it’s a way for me to grow as a coach. I know I can make a greater impact as a coach than as a swimmer.”

Swimming posture, body awareness and good fundamentals are all key elements that Ellul has stressed and will emphasize going forward to the national showcase of amateur talent scheduled for the Niagara Region from August 6 to 21.

“There were times, as a kid, that I struggled to feel like I belonged, and now as a coach, I realize the positive magnitude and impact that I have on young people,” he said. “Swimming to me makes me feel good and it becomes very important for me to provide that to swimmers.”

For Ellul, as a swimmer, trips to the podium for medals, trophies and plaques were not a common thing. He does recall the time when, as a teenager, he won a gold medal swimming the butterfly at a regional competition in Toronto. There was also the time, at age 18, when he missed qualifying for the Nationals by three-one hundredths of a second.

But Ellul has made huge strides as a coach developing swimmers to compete at the regional, provincial and national levels as well as the Canadian Olympic Trials.

“At the Canada Games, I am looking for my swim athletes to do their best, have some fun and enjoy the experience,” he said.

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 45+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.