Cescon Family Part 1

Swimming runs deeper when it runs through family. In our next four stories, for four brothers who first carved their strokes into Ontario pools decades ago, the water has never let them go. What began as youthful ambition—early mornings, endless laps, and the pursuit of personal bests—has become a legacy that now stretches across generations.

Today, their families remain tied to the sport: children who dive into the same lanes, spouses who cheer from the stands, and siblings who still share the rhythm of the water. The brothers’ story is not just about competition, but about connection—how swimming became the thread that wove their lives together, and how it continues to shape the futures of those who follow.

Across Swim Ontario, their journey reminds us that every lane carries history, and every family carries the promise of tomorrow. Stroke for stroke, their legacy proves that swimming is stronger when it’s shared. If you have a family in your club that their swimming story is worth sharing please send to info@swimontario.com.

Traditions can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories of fun times.

“Uncle Dolphin” knows all about them.

That’s the nickname tossed around the pool and given by family members to Jon Cescon.

Swimming, the competitive version, is something he excelled in at the high school, club and university levels. He continues to work at it as a masters’ swimmer.

Jon Cescon is the oldest of four brothers and, along with David (46), Joe (43) and Paul (40), they are well-educated, established in professional careers, husbands, parents – and, you guessed it, swimmers.

Most Saturday mornings, you’ll find them swimming together at the Main Square Community Recreation Centre in Toronto while their kids are at swim practice in the same complex.

Have a conversation with the 48-year-old, about the sport, and he’ll talk about how it provides significant benefits as it relates to physical fitness.

Swimming is also an opportunity for quality time with the family. Glancing at the inner workings of a swim family, let’s start with some introductory words from him.

Lessons at the YMCA were his initiation to the sport. He took a liking to the breaststroke and competed – as an age group swimmer - with the Region of Waterloo Swim Club (ROW). Fond memories continue of a special race, and he’s especially proud of the fact that he still holds the boys’ 10-and-under club record in the 200-metres event.

At Queen’s University, swimming continued. Other than Most Valuable Player on the swim team, there were no major personal medals in the pool. However, during his time at the Kingston, Ont. school, he did help the varsity swim team – not strong in the sport at the time – improve dramatically from 15th place to seventh in Ontario.

“I believe that swimming is a unique sport,” said Cescon, who is a lawyer with a major international firm. “It can be tough and demanding, but it also creates a real connection with others. Swimming teaches training, discipline, time management and working towards a goal, perhaps more than any sport.”

His wife, Kelly, is a masters’ swimmer and triathlete. Emily and Evan, twin 19-year-olds, and 16-year-old Andrew have trained with the Granite Gators, Toronto Swim Club and CREST Swimming. Andrew continues to swim at CREST with five of his cousins.

Now a student at the University of Michigan, Emily has focussed on cross country running and track and field. Evan is on the varsity swim team at the University of Guelph. In the summer months, when schedules don’t conflict, they’ll be in the water at Toronto’s Mooredale House Community Centre pool.

“When I drive our kids to swim practices, I’ll look for any chance to get in the water,” said Jon Cescon, who is also a Level 3 swim official. “It’s something you grow up with and keep coming back to. And when the whole family gets to swim together, it really is something special.”

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 50+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.