Josh Allon is no stranger to water.
The Fonthill teenager often spends more time submerged then he does on land – and it’s paying off.
Allon recently posted the fastest swim time for a 15-year-old and has moved one step closer to his goal of competing in the Olympics after being invited to train at the prestigious Ontario Swimming Academy.
His journey began at seven, when he entered the water as a form of exercise. While the struggle to stay afloat was apparent to begin, his natural drive to compete kicked in and he began winning race after race. Soon, he found himself having to make the decision on what sport to continue, as swimming, soccer and hockey schedules started to overlap.
“It became a lot to juggle, so eventually I had to make the choice of what sport I’d pursue,” Allon says.
“Swimming was something I thought I could go further in, so I began training year-round.”
Fast-forward to now, the 15-year-old swimmer remains on another level once he enters the water. Competition he values. Racing for himself, and racing those to his sides fuels the passion, to do early morning practices and travel miles with his parents.
Although always on the road competing, Allon says he rarely plays tourist. He races to qualify in the morning, takes a quick nap in the afternoon, races in the finals and then heads home to prepare for future competitions.
That solitude and passion for the sport has made the E.L. Crossley student a must-watch competitor heading into 2015.
And with the recent invite to the Ontario Swimming Academy, he’s slowly building up an impressive resume for such a young man.
“Every five weeks I’m up at the academy now,” Allon said, training at the new Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. “They are taking the best swimmers and trying to track their swimming training to help improve the sport overall – while giving you tips and watching for improvements over the next several months.”
While the long days and long nights may seem like a lot for Allon, he is not alone in his journey.
Allon may be the lone swimming star in his age category for Niagara, but he faces those with the same passion for the water monthly, making the academy training much like a gathering of friends.
“It’s fun because there is a large social aspect behind it. You get to see a lot of guys who you compete with from across the province, who now are my teammates. You get to know them over time, so it’s made the transition and competitions more enjoyable.”
Those teammates on the W. Ross Macdonald swim team also have a lot of chemistry gained through a unique mentorship program. Each Saturday, members team up with younger swimmers to provide tips and demonstrations in the pool.
“I think that makes our team different than others,” Allon said. “Everyone on the team knows each other and takes the time to help out the younger swimmers. We have a unique bond, since age isn’t a factor.”
He’s taken the modest route surrounding his high school team, too, lending a hand to fellow classmates with coaching tips he’s picked up over the years. While he races occasionally for Crossley in competitions, Allon knows his make it or break it chance will come from the Ontario Swimming Academy.
“I’m not where I’d like to be just yet. I’ve got lots of work ahead of me, but I believe I’m taking the right steps to head in the right direction.”
Whether that’s swimming for an NCAA powerhouse in the U.S., or wearing Canadian colours in Japan 2020, the teenager from Fonthill has a bright future in the pool.
