David Dunn set a new personal best on August 15 with a time of 2:51:02 in the 200 metre men's IM

By Tommy Osborne

Provincial Swimming Championships

Special Olympics swimmer shines in Provincial Championships

Aug 15, 2025 | 4:56 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Just one month ago, David Dunn was swimming in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games, and on August 15 he was once again back in the pool for the BC Summer Swimming Association Provincial Championships. Among the province’s best, Dunn had a strong showing, as he set a personal best time of 2:51:02 in the 200 metre men’s individual medley.

“I love it, it’s great. I’m happy,” Dunn said, on his provincials experience.

Dunn has been on a steady pace of improvement, as he remains dedicated as ever to the sport. His personal best time on August 15 comes just one month after he set a previous personal best at the Special Olympics games. He says the incredible atmosphere at the provincial championships and the support of his friends helped push him to new heights.

“Everyone cheered for me, and I got my best time. I love Pisces (Swim Club) and I have great friends,” Dunn said.

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He’s grown into one of Northern B.C.’s best swimmers, but his story would not have been possible had it not been for Special Olympics. Dunn initially wasn’t able to participate in swimming lessons, but Special Olympics gave him the opportunity to start swimming.

“Special Olympics really helped and impacted David in positive ways. And it also impacts our other athletes that they can see that David, not only as a Special Olympics athlete, he can also come here and compete against generic athletes as well. And it really, I think, has helped him grow as well in the sport and just gain confidence and just shows him exactly what he can do,” said Special Olympics Prince George’s Volunteer Coordinator Sydney Hall.

“It’s super special to see David being able to compete not only in our Special Olympics credentials, but then coming here and competing at this high level with these athletes as well,” she continued.

The energy of hosting provincials has been a big boost for all the Prince George Pisces swimmers, who have loved seeing their home pool have so much energy and excitement.

“I’ve never seen this many people in the building. It’s kind of insane, but it’s also cool. I like it being loud when I’m in the water, and it just feels more real, feels like more of a race. So it’s good fun. I’m loving it so far,” said Pisces Swimmer Finn Boyle.

“It’s amazing knowing that your friends get to come in and they never would have before because it would be in Nanaimo, Kamloops, whatever. Your friends, your family can come watch, it’s super, super awesome. It makes you want to swim hard, it makes you want to swim faster, it makes you want to make them proud,” added fellow Pisces Swimmer and Coach Emma Watson.

The provincial championships will continue throughout the weekend with more speed swimming, concluding on August 17.

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