Varsity Blues alumna Kylie Masse heading to Paris 2024 with Team Canada

Kylie Masse, Linda Kiefer and Ron Castro (left to right).

University of Toronto alumna Kylie Masse (BKin 2021) will be competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – the third Olympic Games for the four-time Olympic medalist.

At the 2024 Olympic Trials, Masse swam the second-fastest time in the world this year, winning her signature 100 backstroke event in 57.94 seconds.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been at that [time],” said Masse, who graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. “Over the last two years I’ve struggled with getting that confidence because I’ve had so many obstacles and challenges within the last little while but I knew I was ready. I think it’s really easy to get wrapped up in a lot of pressure and expectations and that’s when you lose sight of why you really do it. I just hope to continue to have fun and know my why and my purpose within the sport.”

Masse also dominated the 200 backstroke, touching the wall in 2:06.24. She is the reigning Olympic silver medalist in both the 100 and 200 backstroke events and will be eying the podium this summer in Paris.

“I’m motivated by my teammates, my national team teammates, my coaches. I’m motivated by my competitors in Canada and around the world,” said Masse. “I think every day brings a different motivation, sometimes it’s just motivation to get through the week and other times it’s a bigger motivation. Like anything in life, I think it’s just about continuing to show up and be disciplined in what I do, be disciplined in the skills that I’m working on and trying to perfect every detail.”

Varsity Blues assistant head coach Linda Kiefer was also named to the Olympic coaching staff. She will be heading to her sixth Olympic Games, four as a part of the official delegation. Kiefer, who just wrapped up her 34th season with the Blues, was a personal coach at the 1996 and 2004 Games, a member of the 2012 Swaziland coaching staff and has been to the last two Olympic Games (2016, 2020) with Team Canada.

In addition, KPE alumnus and current employee Ron Castro will be heading to Paris for his first Olympic Games as a massage therapist.

Swimming will take place July 27 to August 4 (Days 1 to 9) at the Paris La Défense Arena.

Originally published by University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education