In just four years of international competition, Nicholas Bennett has built a resume most swimmers can only dream of putting together over the course of an entire career.

The native of Parksville, B.C., broke onto the world stage at the 2019 Parapan American Games in Lima, Peru, where, at only 15, he captured four medals, three of them gold.

Two years later, as the youngest member of the entire Canadian delegation at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, he set national records in all four events in which he competed, reaching three finals.

Then came his Para Swimming World Championships debut at Madeira 2022, where Bennett shone once again with a pair of silver medals.

And so, going into his second world championship appearance last summer in Manchester, England, it looked inevitable that Bennett would continue his meteoric rise to stardom.

And he did.

The S14 athlete claimed his first career world titles, in the 200-m freestyle and the 200 individual medley, and nearly added a third one in the 100 breaststroke, where he placed second.

He lowered his own national standards in both the 200 IM and 100 breast, while also shattering the Americas mark in the latter.

His two triumphs marked the first time in over two decades, dating back to Mar del Plata 2002, that a Canadian male swimmer won two or more gold medals at the same edition of the para worlds.

For his historic performance in Manchester, Bennett is named Swimming Canada’s 2023 Male Swimmer of the Year – Paralympic Program.

“I’m quite proud to be receiving this award, and honoured to follow in the footsteps of previous winners, including current national team teammates,” said Bennett, who had previously merited the national Breakout Swimmer of the Year award in 2021.

“I think it comes down to all the hard work we’ve been putting into it. All the great coaching and support I’ve received over the past five years has helped me excel every time I get on the world stage.”

Haley Bennett, Nicholas’ sister, coached him at the Ravensong Aquatic Club in Qualicum Beach, B.C., and the pair has now moved to the Red Deer Catalina Swim Club in Alberta.

She got to witness his accomplishments firsthand at the last two world championships as a member of the Canadian coaching staff.

“The main factor in Nick’s success over the last few years is his work ethic,” she said. “There’s no one that works harder than he does or gives it their all in the same way he does. He’s worked towards this everyday for years and years.”

When it comes to his exploits in Manchester, the newly crowned world champion said he built on the experience gained the previous year in Portugal.

“With my disability, I find that when I practise things, when I get on the world stage over and over again, it becomes easier for me,” explained Bennett, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was three. “It makes all the difference in the world. It makes it easier for me to perform at that level.”

Bennett recalled how he felt right after touching the wall first, first in the 200 free, then the 200 IM.

“After the 200 free, I felt pure relief. Just because all the hard work we put in over the past year all came together in that first race. It was also pure excitement. I think you can find a few videos of me right after the race crying. That’s how happy I was.

“As for the IM, it was kind of the same. But I also showed myself that I was able to keep going and have repeat success over the course of those long international competitions. It showed that I had the grit to keep going.”

All this success, of course, bodes well for the young superstar as he kicks off his second Paralympic year. As was the case for his second worlds, he said the experience acquired in Tokyo will be invaluable.

“The year leading up to Tokyo, with all the uncertainties and the unique selection process, was incredibly stressful. I kind of struggled quite a bit with that, and it showed a little in my performances there.

“This said, it was instrumental to get that first Games experience,” added Bennett, who won’t turn 21 until after Paris 2024. “This year, I’m quite excited and hopeful that I’m able to really show everybody what I’m made of.”

For her part, his coach intends to focus on the little details that can make a huge difference.

“For this year, we’re working on finding little gains. In a big year like this we won’t be trying to reinvent the wheel. We’re just searching for those small wins that’ll give him an extra edge this summer.”

Whatever happens eight months from now in the French capital, one thing is for sure: the siblings will continue to cherish this memorable journey together.

“Our relationship is quite unique,” said Nicholas. “It’s just wonderful that we have the chance to share this together. I don’t think I’d be anywhere close to this successful without her.

“I think our magic comes from just trust. I trust her completely to have her looking out for me, and I look out for her.”

“I feel incredibly honoured to play a small part in his journey,” offered Haley.

“There are so many people behind the scenes supporting us both. I feel so lucky that I get to work with him every day and witness the community and environment that he creates for himself, and the people that back him just because of the great person he is.”

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Swimming Trials, presented by Bell, are set for May 13-19 in Montreal.

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