Our Coaching Team
Competitive Programme
Rick Burton - Head Coach
Rick is a nationally recognized coach with a long swimming history in Western Canada.
Before joining Swim Ottawa in 2023, Rick was best known as the Head Coach who built a national reputation for the Fort McMurray Swim Club - growing from 18 to 250 swimmers during his 16 years at the helm. While in Fort McMurray Burton coached a number of athletes who progressed to become some of Canada’s best international swim stars. He stepped back from swimming for almost a decade when he transferred his coaching skills to the oil patch as a Quality Assurance Manager. But the smell of chlorine eventually lured him back and he most recently was the Head Coach at the Calgary Winter Club.
Rick is committed to our Club’s vision of creating strong swimmer performance through a positive team culture. Rick believes his job is not just to coach swimmers in the pool, but to help set them up for success in life outside the pool.
Email: headcoach@swimottawa.ca
Andrea Smith - Senior 2 and Age Group 1
Andrea is entering her seventh year with Swim Ottawa, but is no stranger to swimming! Her career spanned 16 years, where she was a member of the Canadian National team from 1995-2000, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, 2 World Championships and 3 Pan Pacific Games.
Andrea began coaching with the University of Calgary Swim Club until moving to Ottawa and starting a Master’s program which operates out of our home pool. She is a level 2 swim coach with over 18 years of coaching experience and will bring her passion and energy to the Age Group 1 and Senior 2 groups this year.
Email: coachandrea@swimottawa.ca
Steve Papai - Age Group 3
With more than 30 years of coaching experience, Steve has played key roles in shaping successful swim teams in the city. This includes coaching local age group swim clubs, high school swim teams, masters swim clubs and running specialized swim clinics/camps for all ages and skill levels. Steve's background has given him a unique perspective, supporting his coaching philosophy that emphasizes the importance of proper stroke technique and strength and, most importantly, a positive and enjoyable experience in the sport.
His journey in swimming began in Nepean at a young age, leading him to qualify for multiple Provincial Age Group Tour Teams and the 1992 Olympic Trials. His swimming continued in university and beyond into masters.
Email: coachsteve@swimottawa.ca
Marshall Wilson - Junior 2
Marshall has been coaching with SWOTT for three years. Hi is currently the Pre-Competitive Coordinator and the Junior 2 coach. Marshall has a deep appreciation for coaching and the impact that sports can have on your life. He started swimming in the summertime when he was six years old and then swam for 16 years competitively. He still swims in some Masters meets and competes regularly in triathlon.
Precompetitive Programme
Marshall Wilson
Pre-Comp Programme Manager
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.
Taylor Sim
Outgoing Pre-Comp Programme Manager
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.
Coach Kate
Whales or Guppies Lead Coach
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.
Employee Name
Position
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.