Courtesy: Aquatics Canada
Ottawa, ON, April 1, 2021, Aquatics Canada Aquatiques is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Comeau as Chef de Mission for the 19th FINA World Championships taking place May 13-29, 2022 in Fukuoka, Japan.
Michelle Comeau is one of Canada’s leading volunteers in amateur sport with experience as the Assistant Chef de Mission at the 17th and 18th FINA World Championships in Hungary and South Korea, as well as a member of the Mission Staff at three Olympic Games and three Pan American Games. Michelle has a proven track record of expertise and knowledge in managing a team at the highest level of sport competition. Her extensive professional background in sport and working with athletes, national sport organizations as well as sponsors has given her a global perspective on running team operations for a world championships.
“Having a volunteer like Michelle, who can manage the affairs of the team on the ground as well as the planning that must be done in advance, is an essential component in helping each of our Canadian aquatic teams reach their goals at the World Championships. We are very fortunate to have a Chef de Mission for Team Canada with this level of experience managing the team operations at this very important event,” said Kelly Stark-Anderson, President of Aquatics Canada Aquatiques.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Team Canada as Chef de Mission for the next FINA World Championships,” stated Michelle Comeau. “Wearing the red and white of Canada and leading an amazing team of athletes, coaches and team managers is truly an honour.“
The Championships will gather over 2,400 athletes representing 204 countries competing in diving, swimming and open water swimming, artistic swimming and water polo and will be viewed by over 520 million people around the world.
Background on the FINA World Championships:
- The FINA World Championships were launched in Belgrade (YUG) in 1973, with the participation of 696 athletes and 47 countries.
- Canada stands in 11th place in all-time medal count since 1973 after the 2019 World Championships with a total medal count of 122 (23 Gold; 45 Silver and 54 Bronze).