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

It is called moving on up.

As a youngster, like most in those early years of development, getting focussed on an activity for more than just recreation can take time, understanding, dedication, and so many more adjectives to describe a commitment to the competitive side of sport.

There is also personal assurance and the realization of dealing with challenges, often intimidation, and timetables that can be overwhelming. Critical, as well, is a need for sound coaching and the trust that comes from experienced individuals.

And so, we introduce Taya Hutchison who lives in Kingsville, a small quaint town on the north shore of Lake Erie, about a 30-minute drive to the Windsor/Detroit border.

It’s a community referred to as “Canada’s Paradise Garden” and is home to a folk festival and once known as the place that KISS music icon Gene Simmons visited as well as award-winning celebrity chef Roger Mooking.

Just 14 years old, Hutchison may very well be the next name people talk about in the days to come because of her success in swimming. Chances are quite good that word is already out about the teenager who some already call “Hutchy”.

While figure skating was once high on her list, the priority is now on swimming – and the lessons she took as a toddler may have been the start of the recipe for swim fame.

Hutchison received an e-mail not along ago. But this one was special and is one she’ll remember for a very long time. There was a clear and succinct message: she was selected to be part of Ontario’s team competing at the Canada Games.

That’s the national showcase held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, featuring the highest level of national competition for what is referred to as “up-and-coming Canadian athletes”.

“I was at swim practice, then saw the e-mail,” recalled Hutchison. “I was so excited that I was jumping out of my seat. I had known about (the Canada Games), thought it was something within reach – and then to get the invite was great.”

While it will be her first time at an event that attracts swimmers from across the country, Hutchison knows the competition to reach the medal podium will be tough. Earlier this year, she competed at the Eastern Canadian championships and the Canadian Trials.

The Canada Games are set for August 6 to 21 with swim events scheduled at Brock University in St. Catharines. It’s also the largest swim facility in the Region of Niagara.

Her focus is on improving personal best times in two freestyle events. There was the clocking of 26.13 seconds, a gold medal finish, in the 50-metre freestyle in Point Claire, Que., site of the Eastern Canadian finals. Meanwhile, at the Canadian Trials in Victoria, B.C., she was timed in 56.91 for the 100 metres.

Hutchison, who competed for the Leamington Lasers Swim Club for three years, before making the move to the Windsor Aquatic Club (WAC) – an organization that has celebrated some amazing accomplishments in its 52-year history including being home to many past Olympians and Paralympians.

Cord Kitson, who is her current coach, recalled the first time he watched her swim at the Windsor International Aquatic Training Centre. She was nine years old.

“What stood out was her positive attitude, she was so coachable and pushed herself wanting to learn and get better,” said Kitson, who has coached swimmers for more than 20 years. “As a person, she’s one of the best that I’ve ever coached, has a great personality and now she’s the top swimmer in our club.”

Ranked 12th in Canada for the 50-metre freestyle, Hutchison will make a short stop before the Canada Games. That’s because she’s scheduled to compete in the Canadian National championships in Montreal. In November, she’s been invited to the Swim Canada National relay camp at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre.

“My coach has been the big reason for my success, he’s a role model and I’ve always trusted his ability,” said Hutchison, who watches swim videos when she can and trains seven times a week, relying on her parents to get her to and from practices. “It was hard for all of us during the pandemic. We did what we could, and for me, I feel stronger and better. Now I am anxious and eager to compete.”

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.