Darren Ward (swimmer)

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Medal record
Darren Ward
Men's Swimming
Competitor for  Canada
Pan Pacific Championships
Bronze	1991 Edmonton	200m Freestyle

Darren Ward (born December 2, 1968 in Duluth, Minnesota) is a former international freestyle swimmer, who was born in the United States but competed for Canada at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. There he finished in 21st position in the 200m Individual Medley, and in eighth place with the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Relay Team. Ward also participated in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Ward was a member of the Canadian National Swim Team for ten years and won over fifty individual, and relay medals at the National Championships. He won the 1992 World Swimming Cup for the Individual Medley category and sites this accomplishment as his career highlight.

During his swimming career Darren was coached by some of the most knowledgeable and respected swim coaches in the world. Including Derek Snelling, Bud McAllister and UCLA coach Ron "Stix" Ballatore. All who are renowned for producing world class swimmers. Darren's coaching philosophies have been influenced by each of them.

In 1995 Ward retired from competitive swimming to start his coaching career. His first stop was with the Red Deer Catalina Swim Club in Alberta. Followed by his first Head Coaching post in Saskatoon Saskatchewan with the Saskatoon Lasers where he spent three seasons. Darren then moved to Ontario to coach the Tillsonburg Aquatic Torpedoes where he headed a movement to amalgamate the Piranhas of Woodstock with his Tillsonburg Club. The result is what is now known as South Western Aquatics. He is currently coaching with the Mississauga Aquatic Club, and uses his previous knowledge to help his swimmers strive to continue to be better well rounded athletes. His motivational speeches and tips are a great way his swimmers have such a great love for this sport.

Ward has coached over forty swimmers to over three hundred individual TAG rankings and seven Provincial Records in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and was named Saskatchewan Swim Coach of the year in 1998.