Newmarket's Alex Axon is getting to experience something few will in their lifetime.
The 21-year-old got the chance to compete for Canada for the first time at the Summer Olympics in Paris.
The longtime competitive swimmer said it is something he can carry with him into the future.
“There’s the factor of being more experienced in the sport and using that to my advantage going forward,” Axon said.
The young swimmer’s competition is over for the Summer Games. Axon qualified to race for Team Canada in the men’s 4 x 200m freestyle relay, which ultimately missed the final heat July 30 and finished seventh with a total time of 7:12:07, about 3.5 seconds short of qualifying for the finals. All four of the members of the team were making their Olympic debut.
Axon had the fastest time among his four teammates in the race with 1:47:57. He previously earned his spot at the Canada swimming trials with a top finish in the 200m freestyle.
Despite falling short of a podium, Axon said it was a great experience.
“It was very, very exciting and the atmosphere is unreal. There was something like 14,000 fans in the stadium to watch, just packed to the brim. The largest venue I’ve ever swam at and the noise from the crowd creates so much adrenaline before you race. It’s an unreal experience,” he said.
He also has no qualms with the team’s performance.
“I’m so proud of the other three men that I raced with. We all swam great. I have absolutely no complaints,” Axon said. “However, of course, there’s always that wanting more feeling with the sport. Now, I’m already thinking ahead. Thinking what can I do next, how can I become better.”
For now, Axon said he is getting to enjoy the remainder of the Games, cheering on his fellow Canadian swimmers, enjoying Paris and watching some other sports like volleyball. After missing out on the opening ceremony due to swimming event scheduling, Axon said he would also get to participate in the closer.
The young swimmer said he has got plenty of support from home.
“I’ve been receiving a lot of messages from people in Newmarket and I’m extremely fortunate for that. I'm extremely grateful for them to support me on the level they do.”
Axon said he will come home to Newmarket after the Games for some rest. After that, it will be another year of swimming for Ohio State come September.
“I’d just like to thank everyone in Newmarket for the support,” he said. “I’m going to be chasing more very shortly.”
