Andrew Haley

Andrew Haley

OT-05apr08-SWAD-Andrew Haley-h003

Quick Facts

Born: Jan. 16, 1974, Moncton, NB
Hometown: Halifax
Residence: Toronto
Coaches: Byron MacDonald (UT), Bill Humby (UCSC), Bill Greenlaw (DCSC), David Fry (DAL)

Highlights

Gold 1998 World Championships New Zealand 100 Butterfly
Gold 1998 World Championships New Zealand 400 Medley Relay (WR)
Gold 2002 World Championships Argentina 100 Butterfly
Gold 2000 Paralympic Games Sydney 400 Medley Relay (WR)
Gold 1994 Comm. Games Victoria 100 Freestyle
Bronze 2000 Paralympic Games Sydney 100 Butterfly
Bronze 1996 Paralympic Games Atlanta 100 Butterfly
Bronze 1996 Paralympic Games Atlanta 400 Freestyle
Bronze 1992 Paralympic Games Barcelona 400 Freestyle

Biography

The word “finally” is engraved on the back of the gold medal Andrew Haley won in the 100-metre butterfly at the 1998 world championships. It’s a reminder of the dedication Haley showed after attending his first Para-swimming worlds in 1990.

“On the plane ride home back in 1990 I said to myself that one day I would be world champion. I had to wait eight years for the moment and it was worth it,” said Haley. “That was a pretty big thrill from an individual perspective.
“It was the impetus for my whole career. I am goal oriented so it allowed me to set my sights high and invest my time to what matters most and to never EVER give up on my dreams.”

When Haley attended his first Paralympics in 1992 in Barcelona he had to pay for his own plane ticket and the Olympic ring he wears on his right hand. Four years later, after Swimming Canada took over the program, all his costs were covered for the Atlanta Paralympics.

The gold medal Haley won at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria was also special because it was the first time athletes with a disability were included with able-bodied athletes. It also was an indication of the growth of Paralympic sports and was broadcast live on TV.

His accomplishments also include setting the 100-m butterfly world record at a national championship meet in Victoria in 2002.

Haley was six years old when he was diagnosed with bone cancer while living in Nova Scotia and his right leg was amputated above the knee. The cancer spread to one of his lungs, resulting in part of his lung also being removed.
Haley, a sales executive for the Toronto Blue Jays, enjoys speaking engagements where he describes how his athletic success benefitted him in the business world.

“Due to my training schedule as an athlete I did not work much (no time). After I came back from worlds in 2002 I knew I needed to start looking for a ‘real’ job and just got lucky with the Jays. They hired someone low on experience and high on work ethic and determination. Skills many athletes have.”

Being included in the Circle of Excellence with the country’s other great swimmers is an honour for Haley.
“I am included with people like Curtis Myden and Alex Baumann and now my name is right there. A very special honour for sure,” Haley said. “I just tried to swim and hold myself with the utmost respect for being Canadian and being part of the team.”