Name: Joe Bartoch
Sport: Swimming
Hometown: London, ON
Nickname: Big Joe
Favorite Sports Memory: Throughout my sporting career I have been fortunate to have travelled around the world with so many great teammates, each person has contributed to a lifetime full of amazing memories. However, the successes and failures when I have been surrounded by my family members, I will cherish the most. I believe that memories should be shared, and when you can reflect back on them with love ones, they will truly last forever.
How you got involved in your sport: I took up swimming after my three sisters (Amy, Kristyn and Sarah) at the age of 4. I was born in the water, always in a pool or a lake. I wasn’t always happy to be in the water as a youngster – I would always complain the water was too cold, and I guess I still do to this day. I have tried other sports but swimming was just natural for me so here I am today!
The moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada: After making the Jr. National team in 2001, deep down inside I think I looked forward to being a part of the history of Canadian swimming than actually representing it. I had grown up very proud of my family name, and one of the first things that I looked forward to was earning the right to have a Canadian Swim Cap with my last name printed under the red maple leaf. Even though I don’t wear a cap, it was an honor to get one. I am also extremely honored to be branded with a tattoo of the Maple Leaf over the Olympic Rings, a tradition which was started by Victor Davis and Alex Baumann.
Favorite Quote: “Sport does not build character, it reveals it.”
CAN Fund Testimonial: In the past athletes were not able to pursue their dreams as long as we could today. After university, many athletes are faced with the difficult decision of whether to continue their amateur sport or to begin on life long career paths. It is because programs like CAN Fund, athletes are able to keep training and working towards their goals realizing their full potential. I am grateful to CAN Fund for allowing me to realize my dream, giving me that extra push towards the finish line!
Best Result:
World Record, Short Course – 4×100 Medley Relay, Leeds, England. 2009.
34th 100 Fly, 10th 4×100 Medley Relay Beijing Olympic Games.
20th 100 Fly, 7th 4×100 Medley Relay. World Championships. Shanghai, China.
7th 100 Fly, 3rd 4×100 Medley Relay, Pan American Games, Brazil.
Share one valuable tool that you use on a daily basis that helps you to be the best athlete you can be. Do all you can today, because tomorrow you won’t get today back.
Who is one person in your life that has impacted your career and what was it that they taught you? My parents because they have provided and supported me from the very start. My longtime coach Paul Midgley and college coaches Jim Reitz and Kunio Kono for teaching me the other side of swimming. And all those I have swam beside, seeing them succeed and strive for their own goals.
Fun Facts: One summer while on taper I taught myself how to sew. When not sleeping I do actually really enjoy the outdoors. I am intrigued by all sports.
