Top Age Group Ranking Profile

We are proud to spotlight a group of 18 and over swimmers who are making their mark within the TAG (Top Age Group) Rankings across Canada. Recognized through the leadership and support of the Canadian Swim Coaches Association (CSCA), these athletes represent the next wave of Canadian swimming excellence.

As we launch this series, we celebrate the coaches, clubs, and families who support these swimmers — and we look forward to following their journey as they continue to rise within Canada’s performance pathway.

There are numerous similarities to an inspirational phrase that bodes well for many.

“If I can dream it, I can do it”.

Nine words that can mean so much. Different perceptions to what some are convinced is attenable simply by believing in a series of words, aspirations and a bit of fantasy. Add on devotion and self-discipline along with tenacity and decisiveness.

It all links with the world of sport and somewhat of a common theme. That is, to become stronger, better, faster, and even smarter than average.

Let’s analyse how all that fits with a veteran Canadian swimmer. After starting with basic swim lessons as a toddler, he went on to achieve the achievable.

His name is Javier Carlos Acevedo.

Now, at the age of 28 and a 10-year member of Canada’s Senior National swim team, he is what some call a veteran of the pool. Acevedo also has an opportunity to do something never done by a Canadian swimmer.

If all goes well, Acevedo is hoping to compete in four consecutive Olympic Games. With lots of training time ahead, the target is the summer of 2028. That’s when the global elite in swimming come together in Los Angeles.

“That’s the goal, one more shot at an Olympic medal and a storybook ending to my swim career,” he said. “Nothing is guaranteed, and if a work-related opportunity comes before that, my career takes priority.”

Acevedo is fortunate to have a sense of humour in his daily life. In this case, it happens to be while coaching 15-to-18-year-old members of the North York Aquatic Club. Juggling a major job and mentoring youngsters, he also devotes about 20 hours a week to strength and conditioning routines in the weight room. It adds up and opens the door to commentary.

“The younger kids are telling me it’s time to pack it in,” he said. “I think they mean well – but also want a chance to reach for the top, too. I tell them I do what’s best for me and want to prove them wrong when I have the opportunity - and show that I still have what it takes to be a very competitive swimmer.”

Years ago, at the age of two, Acevedo’s mother supervised his initiation to the backyard family pool. Knowledgeable and careful, she was a former competitive swimmer with the Scarborough Swim Club. For Acevedo, what followed were basic lessons and instruction offered at a premier swim school called B & C Aquatics in Pickering.

Next came the Scarborough Swim Club where, at the age of eight, Acevedo launched his competitive swim career. A “form of ecstasy” is how Acevedo referred to that time in his life when he went on to earn his first swim award – a ribbon for winning a race at a small club meet in Toronto.

Reviewing his history, it was at an early age that someone spotted the talent of Acevedo. They observed an elite swimmer in the making.

Then, came the summer swim camp experience. As a 10-year-old, Acevedo viewed on television the accomplishments of a former American swimming sensation. His name - Michael Phelps. The same swimmer who went on to claim a total of 28 medals across four Olympic Games.

“It was fascinating watching (Phelps), and it just motivated me to work harder,” said the Toronto-born Acevedo, who now works as a sport and recreation consultant with the Ontario Government’s Ministry of Sport.

More swim experience came for Acevedo. This time, with the Ajax Aquatic Club followed by a short stint, in his teens, at the Markham Aquatic Club. Acevedo was beginning to believe that his dream was very possible.

Apparently, so did the recruiting coaches at the University of Georgia. That’s where Acevedo would end up furthering his education and athleticism – with a full athletic scholarship to the powerhouse and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) acclaimed swim program.

“Nothing comes easy, it’s all about how much you work for something, set your mind on success while also listening, learning and recognizing what has to be done,” he added.

Acevedo made the best of his time in Georgia earning an honors degree in psychology and twice selected as an all-American – a distinction given to standout amateur athletes in the United States who are considered the best in their respective sports at the collegiate level.

In 2015, a problem erupted. Acevedo complained of pain in his left knee. A series of medical examinations determined that he had a floating bone in the knee. Arthroscopic surgery took place followed by rehabilitation and therapy.

In the water, and initially focussing on the freestyle event, Acevedo would later transition to the backstroke. International competition was on the horizon.

Acevedo would go on to set the Junior World record in the 100-metres backstroke at the Canadian Olympic Trials - and a massive advancement in qualifying for the 2016 Summer Games. As the youngest male swimmer on the Canadian Olympic squad, he placed 17th and missed out on reaching the semi-finals.

A year later, at the World Aquatics championships in Hungary, Acevedo made it through to the 100-metres backstroke semifinals but finished in 14th place and out of the finals. Disappointment was replaced with smiles that same day, as he would win two bronze medals competing in the 4x100-metres freestyle relay and 4x100-metres mixed medley relay.

Acevedo wasn’t through with trips to the medical department. While playing some recreational outdoor frisbee, he took a spill that broke a bone in his left foot. Then came the time when he fell off a scooter and broke his left wrist.

Improvement in the water was happening. In 2021, Acevedo was selected to his second Canadian Olympic team and a trip to Japan. He competed in the Olympic debut of the mixed medley relay, but Canada finished 13th in the heats.

The medals started to pile up. Six were earned at the Pan Am Games in Chile and Peru. Four more at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England, and three at the World championships in Hungary and Australia.

“I still have lots of work to get to the level of fitness and the times that I want,” said Acevedo, a 20-time Canadian champ in the backstroke and believed to be one of the oldest members of experienced swimmers on the Canadian National team.

“I’ve been very lucky and fortunate to have had great coaches along the way and the support from my parents over the years to get me to, and from, swim practices. I know my days as a competitive swimmer are slowly coming to an end. For now, I tell myself to pursue the goal – the next Olympic Games.”

The Top Age Group (TAG) listings, more of a ranking system produced by the Canadian Swim Coaches Association, is based on gender, age grouping and event. It scans the country seeking individual and team performances with the intention of assisting swimmers – those in the young category and others considered in the developing stages – for the purpose of comparing race times.

As for Acevedo, he has his share of personal best times. The spotlight shines on his Canadian record time, in the TAG rankings for the Open Male category, of 24.90 seconds in the 50-metres backstroke in 2023. He’s also ranked in the 100-metres freestyle in 49.92 and clocked in the 50-metres freestyle in 23.15.

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. In 2026, he was inducted to the Toronto Sports Hall of Honour with a Lifetime Achievement Award.