30th Anniversary of the passing of Victor Davis

November 13, 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the passing of Canadian and Ontario swimming legend Victor Davis.

Victor was a member of Region of Waterloo and Guelph Marlins Aquatic Club and part of the Swimming Canada National Team for nine years, racing at the Olympics (1984, 1988), World Championships (1982, 1986), and Commonwealth Games (1982, 1986) and was the world record holder in the 200 breaststroke from 1982 until 1989.

Known for his passionate and intense personality, Victor was a four time Olympic medalist, winning the gold in 200 breaststroke at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles in a World Record time of 2:13.34, as well as silver in the 100 breast and 400 medley relay, followed up with another silver at the 1988 Games in the 400 medley relay.

“Victor Davis was one of a kind,” said Dean Boles, Swim Ontario Chief Executive Officer. “He brought an internal will and a spirit and fire in the belly that perhaps only a few in Canadian sport could be categorized with. Victor left a legacy for swimming for many to aspire to. I remember fondly young swimmers at swim meets trying to lean over the edge of the pool to dunk their heads in the water prior to racing and nearly falling in – the classic Victor race preparation routine. If you watch the original swimming version of “The Fast and The Furious” featuring Victor and Alex Baumann, you will know what I’m talking about. Incredible 30 years have gone by, but he is still very much imprinted in my mind and dear to my heart.”

Shortly after his retirement from swimming in 1989, Victor was killed after being struck by a car in Montreal. The Victor Davis Memorial Fund was established as a way to remember and celebrate Victor and his pursuit of excellence in swimming and education and is awarded every year in his memory.

Victor is a member of the Order of Canada, International Swimming Hall of Fame, Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.