Meet the Olympians
Your Freestyle Experience coaches are proud Olympic athletes.
Between them they have earned a bevy of international medals, set some Canadian records and learned a thing or two along the way. Each retreat will feature a different combination of sought-after Olympic athletes-turned-coaches guiding you in and out of the pool.
Some of our past and present coaches include:
Katie Brambley
Canadian Olympian & Head Coach
Katie was member of the Canadian National Swim Team in mid-90’s, she travelled the world competing for Canada - and is a Pan American Games Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist.
Katie ended her international career at the 2000 Sydney Olympics as a member of the 4x200 freestyle relay team that finished 5th. Katie also swam for UBC and was captain of the undefeated women’s swim team for 4 of her 5 years.
Katie has been coaching for close to 20 years – for masters and triathlon clubs in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa. A freestyle specialist – Katie’s thoughtful and motivational approach to practices will push you to train harder and think smarter about your swim. Katie’s practices are tough, thought provoking and on occasion even fun!
*It should also be noted that Katie describes herself as a “terrible triathlete” – but she did manage to complete an Ironman (Whistler) 9 months after having her first baby! She then prompty sold her bike and decided to stick with swimming!
Martha McCabe
Canadian Olympian & Coach
Martha claimed her first international medal at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai, and in 2012, she placed fifth in the Olympic final.
In 2015, she won silver in her home city at the Pan Am Games in Toronto and went on to captain the 2016 Rio Canadian Olympic swim team.
After ‘hanging up her goggles’ for the final time, Martha launched “Head to Head” a business created to promote youth mental and physical wellness through Olympian led mentorship programs that teach healthy habits and inspire confidence.
Martha sits on the Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission where she is trying to improve the landscape for Olympians in Canada. Check out Head to Head here
Lori Meyers
Our "Out of the Pool" Expert (although she is pretty good in the pool too!)
We are so fortunate to have Lori of Body Vida (bodyvida.ca) joining the team for Barbados! Lori will lead us for all of our dryland, yoga and myofascial work to keep us healthy in and out of the water! Her extensive experience and genuine passion is second to none. We seriously couldn't be luckier to have her on the team!
Lori is passionate about teaching which has been evident since her days as a swim instructor and coach of summer recreational programs. Most recently Lori has worked with Swim Ontario to help train coaches in dryland techniques and help support Swim Ontario's dryland philosophies and practices. She has coached alongside former Olympians from a variety of sports including swimming, paddling, cross country skiing and cycling.
Samantha Cheverton
Canadian Olympian & Coach
Sam was a member of the Canadian Olympic Swim Team in 2012, swimming a variety of events including an outstanding 4th place finish in the 4 x 200 freestyle relay.
Sam, who swam for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has gone on to have a successful coaching career in Ohio. Sam brings years of experience and expert advice to the pool deck.
Andrea Smith
Canadian Olympian & Coach
Another Olympian on the team? You bet! Andrea is a NCCP Level 2 swim coach with over 15 years coaching experience.
She swam on the Canadian National Team from 1995-2000 and competed at many international competitions, including the 1996 Olympics, 1997 and 1999 World Championships, 1995, 1997, 1999 Pan Pacific Championships and 1998 Commonwealth Games.
Andrea recently competed at the World Masters Championships and placed top ten in the world in the 50, 100, and 200 metre butterfly. Andrea currently runs a fantastic swim club in Ottawa, – Btrain Swimming.