The architect of the dominant men’s swimming program in Canada during the 1980s and 1990s, Deryk Snelling entered the Hall of Fame in the Builder category. Snelling joined the Athletic Department in September 1980 after coaching Canadian Dolphin Swim Club and Etobicoke Swim Club. He coached at the University of Calgary for 16 years leaving in 1996. He was with the National Sport Center from 1994 through 1996.
During his tenure the University of Calgary captured nine National titles in men’s swimming and 11 Canada West titles. In addition he coached the Dinos women’s team to three Conference championships.
Snelling coached numerous swimmers that competed both nationally and internationally for Canada. Under his tutelage swimmers such as Tom Ponting, Mark Tewksbury, Graham Smith, and Jon Cleveland made Calgary the dominant varsity swimming team in Canada. Snelling was named CIS Coach of the Year on seven different occasions. He also coached several outstanding female swimmers including Suki Brownsdon and Lisa Dixon, both of who were CIS Female Swimmers of the Year in 1986 and 1983 respectively.
Deryk is currently in the Alberta Sport Hall of Fame in Red Deer, British Columbia Swim Coaches Hall of Fame, Canadian Swimming Hall of Fame, and the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In addition, Snelling has been awarded the Order of Canada.
He coached internationally for Canada at various Olympic, Pan American, Commonwealth, and World Championships and has had numerous articles published in various aquatic publications.
Following a remarkable 36-year coaching career, Deryk accepted a new challenge, taking on the role of National Performance Director for the Amateur Swimming Federation of Great Britain and was Head Coach of the Great Britain Olympic Team at the 2000 Olympics.
