Chris Druiven, 18, is a born leader on the St. Mary's swim team.
St. Mary's has a history of having a strong basketball and volleyball program, and now, thanks to Chris Druiven, a post grad student and veteran member of the swim team, they will be recognized in the water as well. Druiven, an 18 year old student at St. Mary's secondary school and 5th year member of the Crusaders swim team has had an outstanding start to the season with 8 first place finishes in 10 races.
While there is no actual captain of the St. Mary's swim team, Chris takes it upon himself to be a leader. "I feel as if I am looked up to because I have a lot of experience and skill to offer and I feel as if I do help out my fellow members of the swim team" says Chris. Even though Chris has only been swimming for 6 years, he has the sport in his blood. Chris's dad, and biggest inspiration in the water, was a provincial and national level swimmer, as well as water polo player.
Though it may seem Druiven was destined to be a swimmer from the very start, he did have some obstacles to over come. When Chris was 10 he was diagnosed with leg perthes disease, which is a lack of blood flow to the hip bone and as a result the bone dies. Chris explains that "my hip bone deteriorated and I was hospitalized for a couple months. I had to go through traction, surgery, and had to wear a double cast for a couple months. My hip was broken and dislocated."
Since then, Chris has swam for a club swim team as well as a triathlon team. He has many accomplishments including representing St. Mary's in OFSAA druing his grade 10 season, competing in the Jr boys relay, Medley relay, and freestyle relay.
Chris is currentally completing his grade 12+, or "victory lap", at St. Mary's and hopes to swim in post secondary school at Laurier University or Ryerson University. While Druiven has intentions to continue to swim, when asked if he has any asperations of one day going to the Olympics he replied with "none what so ever."
Druiven during his Individual Medley first place finish race earlier this season.



Recent Comments