Adding a fourth medal to Canada's Olympic exploits, Varsity Blues swimmer Kylie Masse tied for a bronze medal in the women's 100-metre backstroke race in Rio. She made a Canadian record time of 58.76 seconds, coming in only .01 second behind the silver medallist.
Masse was ranked 200th in the world only a couple of years ago, but managed to climb 190 spots just over last year. En route, she broke six national records, earned a gold medal at the Summer Universiade in South Korea and qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“Her stunning improvement over the past two years is due to hard work on her part, but also to the team of professionals that we have been able to surround her with,” said Byron MacDonald, head coach of the Varsity Blues swimming program and a former Olympian.
Working in tandem with assistant coach Linda Kiefer to drive the agenda daily, MacDonald says people like athletic therapist Jason Meehan, Masse’s academic advisors, her strong family support and teammates all contribute to her success.
“Kylie has that wonderful combination of talent, drive and dedication to go along with a sunny disposition that makes her a joy to coach....and to know that she will have success.”
MacDonald spoke to us from Rio where he is serving dual roles, as Masse’s coach and CBC swim news commentator.
Back in Toronto, KPE dean, Professor Ira Jacobs, was among the Canadians watching and cheering for Masse in front of the TV.
“My family can attest to the fact that I jumped out of my chair and yelled “YES!!!” when I heard the results from Byron,” said Jacobs. He immediately emailed Masse to congratulate her on her success on behalf of the whole Faculty.
“To write “congratulations” seems so understated for being chosen to participate in the Olympic Games, never mind setting another Canadian record and winning a medal,” said Jacobs.
“I told her I hope we will get a chance to see that medal up close when she returns and wished her continuing great swims and great experiences.”
Masse was named U of T female athlete of the year, Ontario University Athletics (OUA) female athlete of the year and the BLG top female athlete in Canadian University Sport.
She is the first Varsity Blues swimmer to claim an Olympic medal while enrolled as a student at U of T.