Canadian swimmers set to cap resilient, successful 2021 at short-course worlds

For Canada's swimmers, 2021 began with a singular focus on training.

It peaked when that dedication amounted to six medals at the Tokyo Olympics in July.

It'll end with the short-course world championships in Abu Dhabi beginning on Thursday, a culmination of a second half of 2021 filled with racing.

Team leader John Atkinson said fighting through the pandemic to hold Olympic trials and reach those six podiums in Tokyo will be what he remembers from the year that was.

"What made the team so successful is the athletes' resilience and their commitment to what they do with their coaches. The culture on the team is really, really good," he said.

Canada arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Monday with close to a full squad, featuring the likes of three-time Tokyo medallists Maggie Mac Neil and Kylie Masse as well as young phenom Summer McIntosh. Every swimmer on the team also competed at the Olympics.

Missing from action is Canada's most decorated Olympian Penny Oleksiak, who is dealing with a back injury. Her absence will hurt Canada's chance of medalling in relay events.

WATCH | Oleksiak wins Canadian-record 7th Olympic medal:

Still, it remains a strong group of swimmers expected to reach the podium in the 25-metre pool, which tends to favour more powerful athletes equipped with stronger dives and turns. The Olympic pool is 50 metres in length.

"Nothing fazes this group of athletes. They just get on with what they need to get on with, no drama. And we're really thrilled about the way they do things," Atkinson said.

Masse, 25, called the pandemic a blessing in disguise in terms of establishing team camaraderie.

"I felt like everyone is just so much more connected now because we had each other to lean on when times were tough and to be there at the worst and the best moments throughout all of the craziness again," she said.

WATCH | Masse earns 2nd individual silver in Tokyo:

Canada's Kayla Sanchez, who won a pair of relay medals in Tokyo, said the training period before the Tokyo Olympics was crucial toward establishing the team dynamic that paved the way for so many podium appearances.