Javier Acevedo wants to 'lead the charge' for Canadian men's swim team

Javier Acevedo has the look of a swimmer on the rise.

The Scarborough, Ont., native competed in his first Olympic Games in Rio last summer, finishing 17th in the men's 100-metre backstroke.

Representing Canada at the Games was a childhood dream of for Acevedo, who was inspired by highlights of Mark Tewksbury's thrilling gold-medal win in the 100m backstroke in Barcelona in 1992.

"That could be me one day! I could be the gold medallist for Canada in the 100 backstroke," Acevedo, who's now 19, recalls thinking. "That's when I fell in love with it. Mark brought me into the world of backstroke."

Acevedo also looked up to Michael Phelps as he progressed up the ranks. With the American star competing in what he said was his final Olympics in Rio, Acevedo soaked in the moments poolside near his idol.

"Most of the world sees him through the TV and sees him win races. But for once in my life, I got to see what it was like behind the scenes," says Acevedo.

"We sat beside the U.S. team, watching him prepare for his races and the kind of care he took of himself. I realize now that it's not just about racing. It's about the preparation that it takes to do that."

'I had a lot more to give'

Despite the positive experience in Rio, Acevedo wasn't satisfied with just getting to the Olympics.

The Canadian's time of 54.11 seconds was well above his then-personal best of 53.67, placing him a spot short of qualifying for the semifinals.

"It was disappointing because I had a lot more [to give] and knew I had more. As I finished my race, I came to the conclusion that I wasn't going to let that block my path to greatness or to become an even better swimmer," Acevedo says.

"Heading into [this year's world championships, which begin Sunday in Budapest, Hungary], I'm not just going there to [be a] spectator and just try and qualify for the semifinals or finals. I want to compete with top guys and not be afraid of racing them."

School ties

Acevedo washed the sour taste of Rio from his mouth that fall at the University of Georgia, where he competes collegiately.

In his rookie season, Acevedo was named SEC male freshman of the week three times while setting the school's second-fastest time in the 100m backstroke.

He credits college teammates and fellow Canadian Olympians Chantal Van Landeghem and Brittany MacLean for easing his transition to university life.

Being able to lean on them helped Acevedo with the stresses of being a first-year student and allowed him to enjoy all that school has to offer.

"Chantal and Brittany are some of the nicest people I've ever met. It's an amazing opportunity to have them on a team in school and on the Canadian Olympic team last year [in Rio]," says Acevedo.

He also looks to set an example. 

"Every person has their role to play and I want to show Swimming Canada and the Canadian team, 'Javier Acevedo wants to have a larger role for [Tokyo] 2020.' I want to lead that [medal] charge and take a leadership role in the coming years."

At this year's national trials, Acevedo punched his ticket to the world championships with a new personal-best time (53.64) in the 100m backstroke, just 0.01 off the Canadian record and earning himself male swim of the meet honours.

Just as Acevedo did at nationals, he believes staying loose while maintaining a cool demeanour is paramount for success at the world level.

"When I get to the [training] stage in camp with all my [national] teammates, I try to stay calm by making jokes, seeing them on the weekend, and enjoying the people that I have. At the highest level, the sport becomes like a job," Acevedo says.

"It's about having a good time and enjoying the opportunity. It only happens from age 18-24. So I'm going to try to have as much fun as possible and enjoy every moment I have in Budapest."