Robin Campbell was recognized for his many years of service as coach, innovator and builder with the 2025 Swimming Canada President’s Award.
We share an excerpt from the press release issued by Swimming Canada.
It didn’t take Robin Campbell long to learn what he didn’t know when he was making the transition from decorated athlete to head coach with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues swim team.
“Terrible,” Campbell said recalling his early days as a coach. “They wouldn’t do what I wanted them to do. I had no idea how to develop workouts or anything like that.”
As is his nature, Campbell persevered. He learned and adapted. As a coach he led the Blues to 10 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) titles and six Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (now U Sports) championships. He was named coach of the year in 1972.
Campbell also coached Canadian swimmers at international competitions and served as a team manager at the 1973 and 1977 Summer Universiade and the 1980 Olympics.
An innovator in the sport, he helped develop Swimming Canada’s sports science program plus played a role in the construction of several pools.
To recognize his years of service, Campbell is the recipient of the 2025 Swimming Canada President’s Award.
The award is open to athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, sports leaders and builders (professionals and volunteers) who have made a significant and profound impact on swimming in Canada. Recipients must have participated in swimming or contributed to the growth and development of swimming.
“I’m very honoured to have been considered,” Campbell said about receiving the award.
READ FULL ARTICLE ON THE SWIMMING CANADA WEBSITE.