​​​​​​​Director of Swimming/Head Coach

Mike Blondal

Mike Blondal is the Director of Swimming and Head Coach of the University of Calgary Swim Club and University of Calgary Varsity Team. A Dino since 1988, the 2024-25 season will mark Mike’s 30th season as Head Coach of the Dinos.

It’s the relationships he’s fostered with coaches, board members, athletes, and support staff that have contributed to the continued success of the program. A believer in quality coaching and empowerment of athlete self-reliance, Blondal’s passion for sport shines through on deck each day.

A double silver medalist at the 1975 Pan American Games, Mike represented Canada internationally numerous times. Throughout his swimming career, Mike swam for Lakeside Swim Club, Pointe-Claire Swim Club, CAMO, University of Houston Cougars, Vancouver Dolphins, and the UBC Thunderbirds. Mike started his post-secondary education at the University of Houston and finished at UBC with a Bachelor of Physical Education and a minor in Zoology.

Mike has coached the Dinos to numerous National Championships at both the club and varsity level.He has been part of the coaching staff for many major International competitions including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan  American Games, Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, World Student Games, Mare Nostrum Tour, North American Challenge Cup, European Champs, and more. Prior to his arrival in Calgary, Blondal was Head Coach of the Nanaimo White Rapids Summer Club and the Nanaimo Rapids Swim Team.

Mike has been voted by his peers as Canada West Coach of the Year and CIS (USports) Coach of the Year multiple times. His work extends beyond the club as he sits on numerous Swim Alberta committees and is a former Board Member for the Canadian Swimming Coaches Association.