Bailey Andison
Bailey Andison
QUICK STATS
- Hometown: Smith Falls, Ontario
- Birthdate: November 13, 1997
- College: Indiana University
- Coaches: Ray Looze, Cory Chitwood
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- 2021 Short Course World Championships, Gold Medalist in the 4×100 freestyle relay
- 2019 Pan American Games, Bronze Medalist in the 200 IM
- 2017 World University Games
- 2017, 2018, and 2019 NCAA Finalist
EXPERIENCE
Bailey Andison is a Canadian swimmer specializing in individual medley (IM) events; she won a bronze medal in the 200-meter IM at the 2019 Pan American Games and swam the 200 IM at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Bailey says that one of the most transformative experiences in her swimming career was navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and the uncertainty about whether she would have the opportunity to compete at the Olympics. She says that her training partners helped her through a pivotal moment. “I was surrounded by a remarkable group of individuals who shared the same dream of becoming Olympians. Together, we persevered through those tough times, which ultimately helped me evolve into the strongest version of myself. This shared determination and resilience not only deepened my commitment to my goals but also led to the realization of my dreams. The experience taught me the power of community and the importance of unwavering support in overcoming obstacles.”
Bailey shares her philosophy that swimming is about relationships with Fitter and Faster clinic participants, and tells them that, “Even if you don’t reach the Olympic or collegiate level, the friendships you forge in the pool will last a lifetime. I still cherish the bonds I made with my best friends from my age group swimming days.” Swimming instills essential life skills such as resilience, hard work, and determination, attributes that will serve athletes well both in and out of the water. Bailey shares this message with parents, saying “Enrolling your child in swimming isn’t just about developing athletic ability; it’s about fostering lasting connections and vital life skills that will stay with them forever.”
Bailey’s teaching style is adaptive and focused on building strong connections with young swimmers. She strives to meet the unique needs of each athlete and help them improve their efficiency in the water by providing visuals and through demonstrations. Bailey says, “I also prioritize my athletes’ well-being and motivation. I never question their effort; instead, if I notice they aren’t performing to their potential, I take the time to ask if there’s anything troubling them or if I can offer support. This open dialogue fosters trust and encourages my athletes to reach their fullest potential.”
A piece of advice that Baily shares with clinic participants is to maintain perspective and remember the “why”. She says, “I found that swimming became much more enjoyable when I focused on the joy of the experience rather than just performance. It allowed me to excel and truly appreciate the journey.”
