Swimming Canada distance star, Ryan Cochrane, came away from the 47th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by viasport (founded by SportBC) with one of the awards of the evening, Senior Male Athlete of the Year, reported SwimBC, Thursday, March 7th.
The gala was held at the River Rock Hotel in Richmond, and was hosted by CTV/TSN’s “Mr. Olympics”, Brian Williams.
Ryan Cochrane, Olympic Medalist, Swimming Canada
As the evening progressed, it appeared swimming could be locked out of all of the accolades. Coach of the Year, Randy Bennett, University Athlete of the Year, Savannah King, and King’s women teammates as Team of the Year finalists did not receive honors despite their performances this year.
Fortunately swimming was honored via Ryan Cochrane, even though his chances seemed slim considering the competition: speedskating’s Denny Morrison and 2012 Giro d’Italia cycling champion, Ryder Hesjedal.
Cochrane’s a global swimming star, after winning bronze in the 1500 meters freestyle at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and then sliver at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Cochrane was not in attendance. He’s busy training for Canadian World Championships Trials which are mere weeks away. Mark Schuett, Executive Director of SwimBC, accepted the award on his before.
Thanks to Team Aquatic Supplies, a swimswam partner, for pointing this story out.