London, ON – The pursuit of competitive swimming is no easy task. Like most sports, it requires dedication and effort, but it's also one of the most time-consuming sports to partake in, with the top-level swimmers being in the pool at least twice a day on top of additional dry land training. For the Bartochs, having family close by has helped the process.

Hayden & Heidi Bartoch are both seniors with the Mustangs Swimming team, and their sister Mireya also attends Western and is part of the Triathlon Club.

All three swam from a young age and share differing experiences at the beginning.

"I was a very shy kid, and I would throw a big fit every time I had to start swimming with new people," Hayden said. "Eventually, I got hooked and became completely and utterly obsessed with the sport"



Inspired by her older brother, Heidi started swimming at the age of four. Little did she know that this early decision would shape her life in profound ways.

"Hayden and I have been on the same swim team our entire lives, so I honestly can't imagine the sport without him. It's incredibly comforting knowing there's always someone in your corner at every practice and meet. We've travelled across Canada and even internationally for competitions and training camps together, so having him there has always made those experiences better, just a lot smoother".

The inspiration and motivation is not a one-way street from younger sibling to older sibling.

"Competing with my sister has been hugely advantageous," he said. "Whenever we go away for meets or training camps, having someone you can let your guard down around and who has your back 100% makes everything much less stressful and strenuous."



All three say the encouragement and support of their parents has been a constant driving force over their journey.

 "They had us when they were young, and putting us in a sport as expensive as swimming was quite a financial hurdle for them," said Hayden. "They worked incredibly hard to provide us with opportunities, and I work just as hard to show them that their efforts were never taken for granted."

"They spent so many mornings driving my siblings and me to our 5 a.m. practices and always supported us every step along the way." said Heidi "Nothing we've accomplished would have been possible without their dedication to driving us every day and getting us where we needed to be, and just providing all of those resources available to succeed."

While the Bartochs have a long history in the pool, it's not the only athletic pursuit for them.

They are also avid runners, having completed multiple marathons.



"I ran my first half-marathon at the age of 14. I was training for that while still swimming 16 hours a week competitively. said Heidi "This past summer, I completed my first full marathon. I was actually the last one in my family to do it. So that definitely inspired me to take the leap and get that done. My next goal is to complete an ultramarathon this summer."

Mireya moved away from competitive swimming at a later age and shifted her focus to triathlons and hasn't looked back.

"My journey into athletics began at a young age, and I have my father to thank for introducing me to the world of sports," said Mireya. "His unwavering support and belief in my abilities have fueled my drive to push beyond my limits. He's completed 11 marathons himself, serving as my inspiration for undertaking my first. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today."



"I ran my first half marathon at 13 years old and my first full marathon at 17 years old." Said Hayden "That first marathon was in 2020 before my grade 12 year, and I've run an additional three marathons since, so a total of four, all while training 15 hours a week in the pool plus an additional four hours of land training and being a full-time student. It gives me such a rush."

With a bright future ahead, The Bartochs remain focused on their goals, knowing that the foundation laid by his family will continue to propel them forward.

"I still genuinely love the sport of swimming, and it's given me so many lifelong friendships and so many experiences that I'm grateful for, and knowing that next year will be my final season makes my time with the Western team even more meaningful." said Heidi "It's a really special group of people to finish out my swimming career with. It'll be 18 years once I'm done."

Whether it's breaking records, excelling in academia, or exploring new athletic challenges, The Bartochs' journey is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and the unwavering support of family.