Swimming Canada says contingency plan in the works for Olympic trials
Swimming Canada says a contingency plan for the Olympic and Paralympic trials is in the works following the extended closure of Montreal's Olympic pool.
The national trials — Swimming Canada's selection meet for this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris — were scheduled for May 13 to 19 at the Olympic pool.
However, the Olympic Park announced Wednesday that the athletic sports complex at the Institut national du sport du Québec (INS Quebec) would remain closed for four to six months due to a fire outside the Olympic Stadium on March 21.
Swimming Canada says it intends to keep the same dates and is focused on holding the trials at an alternate location in the Montreal area.
“We know that day-by-day plans for an Olympic and Paralympic year are laid out months in advance. We are also aware that, with trials less than six weeks away, most participants have booked travel to, and accommodations in, Montreal,” acting Swimming Canada chief executive officer Suzanne Paulins said in a statement.
“We are working hard on contingency plans to hold the event in Montreal on the scheduled dates of May 13-19.”
The competition venue needs to have a 50-metre pool, adequate capacity for participants and spectators, and allow for broadcasting the event.
The governing body will meet with key partners in the coming days to decide the next steps and hopes to share a detailed plan next week.
“We know our athletes are resilient and adaptable, and so is our staff,” Paulins said. “We are doing our best to minimize disruption, and (are) confident in our ability to deliver a first-class swim meet that sets us up for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Although the fire caused no injuries, the Olympic Park said there was significant damage to the tower due to the infiltration of smoke and water from firefighters trying to extinguish the fire.
Other federations have also been affected and needed to find new places for athletes to continue preparing for the Games. Judo Canada quickly moved its training to the Ippon judo club in Montreal.
"It would be lying to say there's no impact," Judo Canada coach Antoine Bouchard said. "We're stepping out of our comfort zone. We're used to training at INS, we were well-supported, and suddenly everything is turned upside down.
"But I think as soon as the problem arose, Judo Canada turned around to find the best possible solution for us to continue training with minimal impact. Our entire full-time group can train there. So that's very good."
Bouchard drew a parallel with the COVID-19 pandemic, which on a larger scale had forced the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
"With COVID, we had limited access to training partners and our facilities were inaccessible," Bouchard said. "But I think Judo Canada adapted very quickly to find a temporary solution."
The Paris Olympics run from July 26 to Aug. 11. The Paralympics follow from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
— With files from Tommy Thurber.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 4, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.