Nolan joins Tigers for 2025-26

Hailing from London, Ontario, the 6’0 backstroke, and individual medley specialist swam with the London Aquatic Club for the last 14 years. During his time with the club, he has excelled his swimming to compete at a national level at the Olympic trials and a finalist at the Ontario championships. Nolan is in the top 25 for the country for five events, and in the top ten for 200m backstroke.  

Team captain for his high school team, and Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) record holder in the 4x100m free relay, his team has won the OFSAA men and women open divisions for the last three years, as well as overall team in 2024.  

Outside of the pool, Nolan is just as accomplished, being named 2025 Elite Letter Banting Athletics award winner, 2025 Alex Photo award for outstanding leadership, 2023-2025 All Time Top Ten at London Aquatic Club and athlete of the year nominee for 2023 and 2024.  

“Being recruited by the Dalhousie Tigers means joining a team that works hard, supports each other, and always aims to be better in and out of the pool.” Says Nolan. 

An honour roll student, Nolan will study management at Dalhousie and join his brother Quinn Nolan who is a current member of the swim team.  

“What is so exciting about Declan is that he is not only a fantastic backstroker but, can sprint all four strokes and put together both a great 200m and 400m IM.” Says Cansdale. “He has improved quite a bit over the last year, and I am confident that we can see the continuation of that improvement when he gets here to Dalhousie!” 

The swim team claimed their 25th AUS championship in a row for a total of 33 this past season.