Originally published by Swimming Canada. Read the original article here.
The team features a blend of returning athletes along with those seeking their first international experience. The team will be led by Aiden Kirk (HPC Vancouver/ Kelowna AquaJets), who will compete at the World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships for the second time after a strong performance two years ago. Abigail McLeod (Winskill Dolphins Swim Club) also returns to the world stage after gaining valuable experience last year in Australia.
“We are delighted to have selected this talented group of young athletes to represent Canada and continue their development in Argentina at the World Junior Open Water Championships,” said Mark Perry, Swimming Canada’s National Coaching Lead. “This team has a great mix of experience and talent which should position them well for success at the event.
The following is the Canadian squad who will depart for Argentina on August 29 to compete against more than 250 of the world’s top junior open water swimmers from over 50 countries.
The 2026 World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships Team:
SWIMMERS
Delphine Piatera-Mercier - Neptune Natation - Coach: Jeremy Dumora
Abigail McLeod - Winskill Dolphins Swim Club - Coach: Judy Baker
Aiden Kirk - HPC Vancouver/ Kelowna AquaJets - Coach: Scott Talbot
Max Gauvin - Bathurst BLAST - Coach: Mohammed Rachidi
Kinan Jasem Radhe - Natation Gatineau - Coach: Waldmilson Veiga
TEAM STAFF | PERSONNEL
TEAM LEADER & HEAD COACH Mark Perry
TEAM MANAGER Shari Schaepper
COACH Judy Baker
DEVELOPMENT COACH Jeremy Dumora
MASSAGE THERAPIST Remo Bucci
TEAM PHYSICIAN Rob Brunelle
Based on the World Aquatics age classifications, Aiden Kirk and Delphine Piatera-Mercier will compete in the 10-kilometre event, Abigail McLeod will race the 7.5-kilometre event, while Kinan Jasem and Max Gauvin will contest the 5-kilometre race.