Five gold medals and a record: Victoria’s Maëlle Sanborn makes her mark on Canada Games
by Allie Moore | August 27, 2025
Victoria’s Maëlle Sanborn turned the 2025 Canada Games into her personal podium parade — winning five gold medals in three individual races (50m breaststroke, 100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke) and two relays (4x100m medley, 4×100 freestyle) while setting a Canada Games record.
Remarkably, that record came in the 50m breaststroke–an event she never considered her strength. Known more for her endurance than sprint speed, Sanborn surprised even herself by powering to victory in the shortest breaststroke race on the program.
“That was pretty surprising, actually,” Sanborn said with a smile. “The 50 breast is normally my worst of the breaststrokes because I’m not so much of a sprinter, but it was cool to be able to experience that.”
The Pacific Coast Swimming standout began her journey with childhood lessons, and the encouragement of a coach in Grade 4 set her on the path to competitive swimming. This week in St. John’s, she brought that early passion to the national stage, fueled by experience from previous BC Games and a determination to hit personal bests in every race.
Sanborn credits her experience at the BC Games as valuable preparation for the multi-sport environment. “The dining rooms, the accommodations, everyone being in the same place — it was similar. But this is just so much bigger.”
Of her five gold medals, Sanborn points to the 100-metre breaststroke as her most memorable.
“That was a pretty big best time, and I wasn’t in the centre lanes, so it was really cool to get the gold in that one,” she said.
She also thrived in the Games’ electric atmosphere — The Works Aquarena buzzing every night — and embraced the chance to soak in the multi-sport environment beyond the pool.
Team BC athletes cheer on their teammates at the pool in St. John’s (Team BC/Armando Tura)
“It’s so loud, almost as loud as Olympic trials, which is amazing considering it’s not Olympians swimming,” she said.
Coach Jy Stewart praised her adaptability, noting the challenge of performing under new coaching voices and constant schedule changes.
“She’s a huge team player and has shown real growth,” Stewart said. “It’s not just about the medals — it’s about the learning, and Maëlle’s embraced that.”
While the medals will shine for years to come, Stewart believes the experience itself is just as valuable.
“Even for athletes who’ve had a phenomenal meet like Maëlle, there’s still something to take away — whether it’s fixing a stroke or learning from a race. That’s the beauty of the Canada Games.”
For Sanborn, the week has been more than a medal haul — it’s been about pride, camaraderie, and representing BC alongside teammates from across the province. And with five golds, she leaves knowing she’s made her mark on one of Canadian swimming’s biggest stages.
