Top Age Group Ranking Profile

We are proud to spotlight a group of 14 & Under 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.

Imagine if Alex Lechen Shen had a signature trait.

Turns out, he does.

It’s the realization that when he sets his mind to something – it’s very much achievable.

Not bad at all for a 14-year-old new Canadian.

Born in Beijing, Shen – and his family – said farewell to China and came to Canada six years ago. It was a huge change. Getting adjusted, dealing with a language barrier, a new school system, developing new friendships and so much more were involved. Also, moving from a first home in New Brunswick to the metropolis of Toronto.

As for swimming, it wasn’t until the age of 11 that Shen got hooked on competitive side of the sport. His family had made the necessary arrangements for him to join the Mallards Swim Team – a Markham-based club dedicated to developing successful athletes and people in and out of the pool.

His parents saw the many health and life skills benefits that would emanate from their son actively involved in an after-school program. They would take on the responsibility of carpooling him to practices, training sessions and special meets.

Turns out, it was a brilliant move.

Make a note of his name as Top Age Group (TAG) rankings, released by the Canadian Swimming Coaches Association (CSCA) are already putting Shen in an elite category. Swim Ontario, in a special series, is recognizing Shen – and a few others – in Canada’s salute to top-ranked junior age swimmers.

“My goal is to be No. 1 for my age group in Canada – and to continue to progress in the sport,” said Shen, who is a grade 9 honours academic student at Crescent School – an independent private educational institution. “The big goal, and it will take some time and hard work, is to earn a university scholarship and then swim for Canada in the Olympics.”

Shen has people talking about his times. For now, the 100-metres breaststroke shines with a short course time of one minute, 04.83 seconds. That’s best in Ontario – maybe the country. Shen is also impressive with two second place finishes - the 50-metres breaststroke clocked in 30.31 seconds and the 200-metres breaststroke showing a personal best time of 2:19.35.

“I have a shoe box with all my medals and others on display at home,” said Shen. “They are very important to me. But there is lots more hard work and intense training to be done to improve times and get better.”

Discipline, dedication, and staying focussed are all key factors in his road to success in the pool. It’s what he claims motivates him to persevere – even when confronted with a disappointing finish or a tough practice.

“After a meet last year in November, the motivation disappeared,” he recalled. “I was surprised. I just didn’t want to practice and took a three-day break. I realized at the time that overall, I was doing well, there was a need to keep pushing. I would have up-and-down moments, but more good things would come about.”

For those expecting to find Shen bragging about his good results in the water, forget about it. There may be a time and place for it, but not from Shen. He keeps quiet about statistics.

Judy Sui has been coaching Shen for the past three years. With the help of an interpreter, she had this to say about him.

“(Shen) has a clear goal and knows what he wants,” said Sui, who coaches the Lightning group of swimmers at Mallards. “It’s to make the (Canadian) Trials, then the Canadian team and, hopefully, a spot at the Olympics. He’s had tremendous improvement, takes advice well and there’s no need to push him – just offer guidance and support.”

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.