Grande Prairie’s Oliver Dawson (second from right) and teammates Taylor Ruck, Josh Liendo and Kylie Masse (left to right) pose with their 4 x 100 mixed relay bronze medals from the World Aquatics Championships. Photo credit: Grande Prairie Piranhas Swim Team/Facebook.

By Curtis Galbraith

Swimming

Dawson father-son duo representing Canada at international swimming competition

Aug 19, 2025 | 6:00 AM

A busy summer of international competition continues for Grande Prairie Piranhas swimmer Oliver Dawson.

He is one of 26 athletes representing Canada at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships taking place in Romania today (Tuesday, August 19) through Sunday.

Dawson recently competed at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, where he won a bronze medal in the mixed relay.

“After the incredible time I had at worlds in Singapore, coming home with a bronze in the relay and a semifinal in an individual event, I am hoping to take what I’ve learned from worlds and apply it to world juniors,” says Dawson in a release from Swimming Canada, adding, “I’m going to stay relaxed going into the meet and have fun when the time comes. Looking forward to contributing to the junior Canadian team’s success this week.”

While in Singapore, Dawson also lowered the Canadian age-group record in the 200 metre breaststroke twice and helped the men’s medley relay team lower the national record twice.

Oliver’s dad Alex will be one of Team Canada’s coaches.