Mighty Barracuda Olympic Trials Spotlight: Jace Borden

Mighty Barracuda Olympic Trials Spotlight: Jace Borden
Friday, May 3, 2024

Swimmer: Jace Borden
Age: 18 years
Current Grade: 12
School: John McCrae Secondary School
Plans for Next Year: Pursuing a degree in biochemistry at Carleton University

Years Swimming:  9 years total, 7 years as a Mighty Barracuda!
Events at Olympic Trials: 50 FR, 100 FR

Pre-Race Routine: Shaves his legs
Favourite Food: Chicken, rice, and broccoli

If he could give advice to his 10 year old self, what would it be? Just have fun.

When you meet Jace, the first thing you will notice is his boundless energy and infectious zest for life, which is equally matched by his passion for swimming. Jace's journey to the 2024 Bell Canadian Olympic Trials was not one of solitary determination, but rather a testament to the power of encouragement and the thrill of chasing dreams. It all began nearly a decade ago and was born out of lazy summer days. His strong swimming skills caught the eye of a vigilant lifeguard.  "Ever thought about joining a competitive swim team?" the lifeguard suggested with a knowing smile. And just like that, Jace's journey was set in motion.

He dove headfirst into the world of competitive swimming. From those backyard pools to the prestigious stages of the Olympic Trials, Jace's path was paved with countless hours of hard work, dedication, and, above all, fun. For Jace, swimming wasn't just about winning medals or setting records.  It was about embracing the thrill of competition and the camaraderie of his teammates.

One of Jace's earliest milestones came when he made his debut at the Swim Ontario Festival Championships. Initially intimidated, he soon discovered that the key to success lay not in fear, but in embracing the sheer exhilaration of the moment. With each race, Jace found himself growing more confident, more resilient, and more determined than ever to chase his Olympic dreams. He found that the thrill of swimming lay in the rush of going all out, of never holding back, and of charging the wall on the final 50 meters with everything he had. But perhaps even more than the thrill of competition, it was the moments of laughter in the shared journey with teammates turned best friends that fueled his drive.

Amidst the whirlwind of training and competitions, bonds forged between teammates also define Jace's swimming journey. His fondest memory? The day his partner in crime, Alex Pilieci, qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 200 FLY. After racing head to head in the same heat, Jace wasted no time in swimming across the lanes to congratulate his friend, a testament to how support and camaraderie underscores success.  Whether it was training, competing, navigating the subway system on the way to the pool, or sharing stories over late-night snacks back at the hotel, the bonds forged between teammates are ones sure to last a lifetime.

Not surprisingly, when Jace isn't at the pool, you can find him socializing with his friends, his infectious smile lighting up the room, always lending a helping hand to anyone around, and his laughter ringing through the air. The balancing act of school, friends, and swimming, isn’t an easy one, but Jace makes his family - both his relational family and his swim family - proud.  He embraces each challenge with the same spirit that defines him in the water.

As the 2024 Bell Canadian Olympic Trials draw near, there is a palpable energy growing.  Though we may not know what results await just yet, one thing is certain: Jace will bring his signature brand of fun, excitement, and unwavering enthusiasm to the pool, a reminder to all that sometimes the greatest victories are the ones that are shared with friends.






Stay tuned to your email for daily stories of our athletes as we approach the 2024 Bell Canadian Olympic Trials, or visit the News section of the  NKB Swimming website for current and past stories.