Coaching Philosophy
The Dynamo Swim Club’s coaching philosophy has been crafted by head coach Lidia Menzies. It focuses on the fact that while swimming is generally perceived as an individual sport it is a team of people that helps a swimmer progress. As such all of coaching staff work with all of the swimmers. This allows for the swimmers to learn from coaches who may have differing coaching techniques or styles or who simply may notice different things about the swimmers’ strokes.
Head Coach
Lidia Menzies
Lidia founded the Dynamo Swim Club in 1998.
Lidia swam competitively for Romania placing first in National and International competitions. She continued to race at the Masters level and placed first in her disciplines from 1983 through 1990. She also placed first in the Naytikh Ebdomada Competition in Greece in 1992.
Since she started coaching in 1982 Lidia has trained a number of very successful swimmers at all levels. Some of her swimmers have reached the international stage, these include:
- Drew Christensen, who now holds Pan American records and was a member of the Canadian Para Olympic Team in Beijing, China 2008.
- Con Kudaba, who was a member of the Canadian Olympic Water polo Team in Beijing, China 2008.
- Alexandra Guarascio, who represented Canada at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
- Tara Taylor, who represented Canada at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
- Diana Ureche, who represented Romania at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
Assistant Coaches
Michael Lai
Michael has been swimming since he was 10 years old. He swam with the Dynamo Swim Club for almost 8 years, including swimming at the Provincial level, and has been coaching for 3 years. He is very grateful for what Lidia has done for him during his swimming career and wants to do the same for the swimmers he coaches now.
Marybel Menzies
Marybel has been swimming since the age of 2 and competitively swam from the age of 6 to 12. She is certified in First Aid and CPR-C and has taken a 2 day course for Level 2 swimming in the USA. Marybel believes that swimming is the best sport for both mental and physical improvement and it is a great way to build lifelong relationships. She has been coaching with Dynamo since 2009 and is planning on taking the NLS to become a Lifeguard. Marybel encourages the kids to pursue their goals in life and in swimming.
Vivian Cai
Vivian has been a swimmer for as long as she can remember. She believes the most relaxing place to be is in the water. Vivian started her swimming career in the Red Cross swimming lessons and then joined Gators swim club at the age of 10. She swam competitively for five years and enjoyed the thrill of competing, and also loved the team spirit. Vivian has her certificate in NLS and WSI, as well as Standard First Aid, and has completed the NCCP Skills Coach course. Dedicated to the sport, this is Vivian’s fifth year coaching with Dynamo Swim Club. Vivian is currently in 3rd year at Simon Fraser University studying Psychology. She loves working with children and believes that patience, interaction, and hard-work is the biggest key to success.
Alicia Tchaikoun
Alicia has been in Dynamo swimming club for many years and loves swimming. She qualified for Provincials and hopes that the current swimmers can reach their goals too. Her current focus is on the Swim School swimmers helping them learn the proper technique so they can progress to the Swim Club. She really enjoys working with the kids, swimming beside them and correcting their technique. “They are all enthusiastic and energetic and they are already improving, so I’m looking forward to a great year!”
Dani Dal Cengio
Dani has been swimming competitively for 6 years. He has reached Western National time standards, is within just a few milliseconds from Senior National time standards, and has placed in the top 10 at National Competitions. He has won multiple medals, ribbons and plaques in his swimming career, most of which were during Provincial/National levels.
Dani is also a certified lifeguard with LIT Aquatics and enjoys teaching and coaching.
Dani currently attends Holy Cross Regional High School, and is pursuing a career as a Mechanical Engineer.
Ernest Lai
Prior to coaching, Ernest had been swimming competitively with Dynamo since he was 10 years old. During those years he trained under Lidia, and travelled with the team to many competitions. After he hung up his goggles, he hoped to share his experiences from his competitive days and joined the coaching staff of Dynamo Swim Club. “Today, I am very fortunate to be able to work with many swimmers and share my ideas and opinions with other coaches within the Club”.
