BLUE MOUNTAIN, ON – The Canadian Swimming Coaches Association (CSCA) proudly welcomed four new members into its Hall of Fame during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, October 2, 2026, as part of the Team Aquatic Supplies CSCA National Swim Coaches Conference at Blue Mountain, Ontario.

The Class of 2026 — Dean Boles, Andrew Craven, Kevin Thorburn, and Christina “Christy” Yaremczuk — represents decades of excellence in coaching, athlete development, leadership, and service to Canadian swimming.

The evening celebrated not only the remarkable achievements of the four inductees, but also the lasting influence they have had on generations of athletes, coaches, and swimming organizations across Canada.

“Hall of Fame careers are about much more than medals, records, or championships,” said Chris Hindmarch-Watson, Executive Director of the CSCA. “They are about the athletes who were given opportunities, the coaches who were mentored, and the programs and organizations that were strengthened through their leadership. This year's inductees have each made an extraordinary contribution to Canadian swimming, and we are honoured to recognize their lasting legacies.”

Dean Boles – Coach Category

With a coaching and leadership career spanning more than four decades, Dean Boles has made an exceptional contribution to Canadian swimming at the club, provincial, national, and international levels.

Beginning as an Age Group Coach under fellow CSCA Hall of Fame member Clifford Barry, Boles went on to spend 22 years as Head Coach of the Region of Waterloo Swim Club while also serving as volunteer Head Coach of the Wilfrid Laurier University swimming program.

His athletes included Olympians Jennifer Button, Laura Nicholls, Jennifer Fratesi, and Keith Beavers. His contributions extended well beyond the pool deck through leadership roles with Swim Ontario, Swimming Canada, and the CSCA, including serving as CSCA President.

Boles later helped establish the Ontario Swimming Academy and Ontario Junior International competition before taking on a national coaching role with Danish Swimming leading into the 2016 Olympic Games.

Two-time Olympian Jennifer Button shared personal reflections on Boles' influence during the induction ceremony.

Andrew Craven – Coach Category

Andrew Craven's remarkable career has been defined by his dedication to athlete development and his extraordinary contributions to both Olympic and Paralympic swimming.

A longtime coach with the London Aquatic Club, Craven served as Head Coach of Canada's Paralympic swimming team at the 2000 Sydney Games and the 2002 IPC World Championships, and was a member of Canada's coaching staff at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

Throughout his career, he coached numerous Paralympians, including Adam Purdy, Andrea Cole, Darda Geiger, Brad Sales, and Devin Gotell.

His impact also extended to Olympic swimming, most notably through his work with Maggie Mac Neil during her development at London Aquatic Club. Mac Neil went on to become a World Champion in 2019 and Olympic Champion in Tokyo.

Paralympic gold medallist Adam Purdy joined the celebration to reflect on Craven's influence and the lasting relationship between coach and athlete.

Kevin Thorburn – Coach Category

The late Kevin Thorburn was honoured for a coaching legacy that continues to influence Canadian swimming.

As Director of Swimming and Head Coach of the Etobicoke Swim Club for more than two decades, Thorburn developed generations of Canadian swimmers, including Olympians, national champions, and international record holders.

Among the many athletes who benefited from his coaching were Kelly Stefanyshyn, Rylie Mants, Tobias Oriwol, Jenna Gresdal, Alexa Komarnycky, Amanda Reason, Tristan Cote, Ruslan Gaziev, Brittany MacLean, and a young Summer McIntosh.

Thorburn's coaching achievements included guiding Amanda Reason to a world record in the 50-metre breaststroke in 2009 and helping develop athletes who represented Canada at the Olympic Games and major international competitions.

Beyond the results, Thorburn was widely respected for his commitment to long-term athlete development, character building, and developing well-rounded individuals.


Thorburn, who passed away in 2020, was represented at the ceremony by his daughter, Reid Thorburn, who accepted the Hall of Fame recognition on behalf of the family. Former athlete Brittany MacLean Campbell and fellow coach Bo West also shared reflections on his life and legacy.

Christina “Christy” Yaremczuk – Builder Category

Christina “Christy” Yaremczuk was inducted in the Builder Category in recognition of her exceptional contributions to coaching, sport leadership, and the development of Canadian swimming.

A former competitive swimmer whose athletic career was cut short by injury, Yaremczuk transitioned into coaching and went on to serve as Head Coach of the Oakville Aquatic Club. Her coaching career included serving as a personal coach at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and developing athletes who progressed to international competition, including Zack Chetrat.

In 2000, Yaremczuk became the first woman to serve as President of the Canadian Swimming Coaches Association, a position she held until 2008. Her leadership helped strengthen the Association and advance professional development, representation, and support for coaches across the country.

Her commitment to the sport continues today through her role as Sport Development & Partnership Liaison with Swim Ontario, where she supports athlete funding, facility partnerships, provincial Olympic and Paralympic programming, competitions, coach development, and recognition initiatives.

Fellow Class of 2026 inductee Dean Boles spoke about Yaremczuk's contributions and lasting influence on the Canadian coaching community.

Celebrating a Lasting Legacy

Each inductee was recognized with a commemorative Hall of Fame painting presented by CSCA President Carl Simonson.

The induction ceremony provided an opportunity for the Canadian swimming community to celebrate four individuals whose careers have helped shape the sport through athlete development, mentorship, organizational leadership, and service.

Although their careers followed different paths, the Class of 2026 shares a common legacy: making athletes better, supporting coaches, building stronger programs, and leaving Canadian swimming better for future generations.

The Canadian Swimming Coaches Association congratulates Dean Boles, Andrew Craven, Kevin Thorburn, and Christy Yaremczuk on their induction into the CSCA Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to the CSCA Hall of Fame Class of 2026!