Dalhousie Tigers Icons Nancy Garapick and Nigel Kemp Receive Swimming Canada’s Highest Honour
A legendary coach and one of Canada's greatest swimmers are being recognized among the sport's all-time greats.
Dalhousie's longtime swimming coach Nigel Kemp and former Tiger and Halifax Trojan standout Nancy Garapick have been inducted into Swimming Canada's Circle of Excellence, an honour announced during the Bell Canadian Swimming Trials as the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.
Garapick, who passed away earlier this year, made history throughout her remarkable career. At just 13 years old, she set a world record in the 200-metre backstroke, becoming one of the youngest swimmers ever to achieve the feat. She went on to win two medals at the 1975 World Championships before capturing bronze in both the 100- and 200-metre backstroke at the 1976 Olympic Games.
Her longtime coach, Nigel Kemp, helped build one of the most successful swimming programs in Canadian university history during his 27 seasons at Dalhousie. Under his leadership, the Tigers captured 27 conference championships while producing 63 national medalists, including 19 national champions. Kemp also served on Canada's Olympic coaching staff, coached at multiple World Championships and Commonwealth Games, and was recognized 10 times as Atlantic University Sport's Coach of the Year.
Together, Kemp and Garapick helped put Halifax and Dalhousie on the international swimming map, inspiring generations of athletes with their pursuit of excellence.
Congratulations to Nigel Kemp and the late Nancy Garapick on this well-deserved recognition and enduring legacy in Canadian swimming.
Read full announcement here: