About Melanie

Melanie started swimming competitively for the Hamilton Aquatic Club (HAC) when she was 13 and now 26 years and 2 kids later, she still competes in the pool for the Burlington Masters Swim Club (BMSC). 

At Brock University training camp in 1994, Melanie was introduced to open water racing, in the Florida Ocean Mile; and in 1995, she was part of a swimming relay race across Lake Ontario raising money for charity.  It was also around this time she began participating in triathlons. 

In 1999, Melanie had her 1st daughter, who is now also a competitive swimmer; and after some time off, Melanie eventually found her way back to competing in the pool and in triathlon.  In December 2007, she had her 2nd daughter, but this time swam through most of the pregnancy and was back racing as soon as possible; winning the Subaru sprint triathlon series in her age group less than a year later.  Her husband learned to swim in 2008 so that they could do their 1st Ironman triathlon together (Ironman Louisville Kentucky in 2009).  Melanie’s comfort in the swim, helped her have an amazing Ironman experience and finishing time of 12hrs and 12 minutes.  With their youngest also showing a pure love for the water, they seem to have become a very busy family of fish. 

Melanie began swimming in Lake Ontario with the Lake Ontario Swim Team (LOST) when she was training for Ironman.  The experience with the LOST group inspired her to try some more open water events, including the annual 3.8k LOST race and a 2 mile swim around Governors Island in New York City.  Melanie fell in love with Lake Ontario; and the idea for her to swim across the Lake was born.  
Water has provided Melanie with many of her friends and been behind many of her adventures and it seemed only fitting that her attempt to swim across Lake Ontario was to help raise money for Lake Ontario Waterkeeper (LOW), a registered charity working to restore and maintain the ability to swim, drink and fish in Lake Ontario.  Melanie thanks everyone who “Helps put the Great back into the Lake” and the many who supported her 18 hour accomplishment.  

Melanie’s competitive record speaks for itself, yet she continues to appreciate that she is able to participate in the many events she loves; and gives back to the swim community in various ways over the years, including volunteering as: treasurer for BMSC from 2005 to 2007; assistant/now Level 1 coach with HAC from 2010 to present; working on level 2 officiating, registrar for LOST from 2010 to present; and crew member for Miguel Vadillo’s 2010 Lake Ontario swim crossing.   As well, Melanie tries to encourage and support others to lead a healthy and active life.

The adventures continue...