Seventeen-year-old Port Hope swimmer Molly Steeves made her national debut at the 2025 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials in Victoria, B.C., representing the Northumberland Aquatic Club (NORAC) in the 50-metre butterfly.
Her mother Victoria tells us about her first qualification attempt with the Northumberland Aquatic Club.
Steeves posted a time in Thursday’s preliminary heat showed a solid effort, though not enough to advance to the finals. Still, the teen is turning heads with her determination and talent, showing strong potential to become a national contender in the years ahead.
According to her mother, Molly is a high achiever both in and out of the pool.
Molly first hit the water competitively in Grade 6 with the Trinity College School swim team, but her progress was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After restrictions lifted, she returned to training with NORAC and has worked hard to reach this level.
It’s the first time in nearly a decade that a NORAC swimmer has qualified for the national trials.
Her mother says she’s proud of how far Molly has come.
Molly’s season goal was to qualify for three Canadian trials. With two now behind her, she’s focusing on the next challenge – the Canadian Short Course Championships in August.
Victoria says the experience – win or lose – has brought the two of them closer together.
The 50-metre butterfly was recently added to the 2028 Olympic program, and Molly Steeves remains a name to watch in Canadian swimming.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
