First Year Feature: Declan Nolan

How long have you been swimming? 

13 years 

How did you start swimming or get into it? 

My parents met on the high school team and continued their swim careers as varsity swimmers for Waterloo and Laurentian University.  

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

I started playing soccer at the age of 3 and football at 6. I played football in high school, and it taught me how to balance school, swimming, and football. Being undersized growing up pushed me through adversity and taught me that build doesn't matter.  

Who is somebody in the swimming community you admired growing up and why? 

My club was small when I was growing up, so I had to swim with the older kids. Swimming with them allowed me to form a bond with my brother and to aspire to him. I've always wanted to swim varsity, and my brother being at Dalhousie attracted me here.  

What is the most memorable moment in your career so far?  

One of my most memorable moments in my career was my 200m backstroke at OJIs in 2024. It was my best race to date, and I qualified for nationals. This personal best narrows my gap from Usports and gives me a goal this year to qualify for Usports.  

What made you choose Dalhousie University? 

I think my brother being here was a big attraction, and a team that I would be valued at gave me a desire to be at Dal. The city is beautiful, and I feel like I get that true university experience here.  

Did any of your family members attend Dalhousie University? 

As previously stated, my brother (Quinn Nolan) is doing his master's in environmental management and is in his final year.   

What are some of your interests outside of sports? 

My dad would take me and my brother to lots of Detroit sports games, especially the Detroit Lions. When I played Junior mustangs, I played a half-time show on Ford Field. I also love movies, TV shows, and music.  

Any pre-event superstitions/routines? 

I've had trouble locking into my race before, but I've learned that watching Instagram reels helps me take my mind off racing.  

Any hidden talents? 

I can name every country's flag 

Favourite food? 

Lamb 

Favourite movie?  

Interstellar 

Favourite warm-up song or current favourite song?  

Cornfield Chase – Hans Zimmer 

Favourite professional athlete or team? 

Detroit Lions  

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?  

Sweden