Hosted at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre this past week, several Varsity Blues swimmers were able to jump in the pool with some of the very best from around the world for the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup.

The Blues performances was highlighted by second-year breaststroke specialist Nathan Thomas. The 2025 U SPORTS rookie of the year delivered a new personal best to reach the 200m breaststroke A-Final and finish eighth overall among the international field.

"This is a giant step forward in Nathan's career.," said Varsity Blues swimming head coach Byron MacDonald. "This was a world class field with arguably the greatest breaststroker in history in Adam Pesty among the finalist he had to race. And of course Kacper Corbeau from Netherlands who broke the world record in that race! Lots of hard work got Nathan there, and even more hard work will continue him on this road. He left 12 hours after that swim for a high-altitude training camp in the Rockies."

Also of note, fourth-year backstroker Andrew Herman just missed out on an A-Final appearance in the men's 50m. Posting a time of 23.82, Herman would place 12th among the 44 competitors following heats, finishing just outside the Top 8 to advance.

"It was such a huge advantage to have the World Cup in Toronto as now Andrew has gained the experience of racing some of the best in the world," added MacDonald. "It teaches you to raise your game. And Andrew continues to move the bar forward in his quest to get to the LA Olympics--which is his hometown!"

Following the international competition weekend, the Blues will return to their regular U SPORTS schedule with a home dual meet versus McGill set for Sunday, Nov. 16. Swimmers are scheduled to dive into the Athletic Centre - Varsity Pool beginning at 12 p.m.