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Pan Am Games; a once in a lifetime experience for local swimmer

Former North Bay Y Titans swimmer Dominque Bouchard is getting prepared for what she calls a “once in a lifetime experience,” as she heads to 2015 Pan Am Games which kick of Friday in Toronto.

Former North Bay Y Titans swimmer Dominque Bouchard is getting prepared for what she calls a “once in a lifetime experience,” as she heads to 2015 Pan Am Games which kick of Friday in Toronto. 

Bouchard, who just missed out on making Canada’s Olympic team in 2012, comes into the event after winning top spot in both the 100 M and 200 M backstroke at the Canadian Swimming Trials which took place in April at the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Aquatics Centre; the same pool that she will swim in next week.

Bouchard is excited about having that home pool advantage.   

“Most athletes never get the privilege to have this experience,” said Bouchard in an email to BayToday.ca.  Bouchard leaves for London on Wednesday and then expect to arrive in Toronto at the Pan Am Athletes Village on Saturday.  

“I think the best part about it, is that the fear of the unknown is not a factor for me at these games. I have competed in the pool before, I will know what types of food will be offered in the village and I know that the crowd will be cheering for the Canadian athletes to succeed!” 

Overall, Bouchard is ranked 13th in the world in the 100 M backstroke and sports a 10th place world ranking in the 200 M backstroke.  

“I have set very high expectations for myself this summer,” said Bouchard.

“I want to be on the podium at the Pan Am Games and I want to make a final at the World Championships in Russia. I believe that doing this would help me in my ultimate goal of having a Top 8 world ranking at the end of the season. So, I would say, a great finish is pretty important!” 

Bouchard, who finished four seasons of swimming with the Missouri Tigers in the NCAA, doesn’t live in North Bay anymore but she still has close ties to her former swim coach and Titans teammates. 

“My best friends are some of the girls that I met on the Titans,” said Bouchard.

“After all, I spent over 10 years with them. Those friendships don't just go away. As for coach Cliff, I am in contact with him at least once a month, and I know he is always rooting for me,” she said.  

Bouchard says she will never forget all the “little people” who have helped her throughout her swimming career.   

“I think it is important to thank everyone that has been part of my career thus far, and that has continuously supported me through the ups and down,” she said. 

“I also think it is important to know that even though you are from a small town, you can become great and achieve your goals, but you have to be ready to work really hard and make a lot of sacrifices to be the best you can be. 

“This summer will be a great stepping stone going into an Olympic year. I look forward to it and hope to make North Bay and Northern Ontario proud.” 

Bouchard, will be competing in her two events starting on July 17th.   


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Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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