In two months, Brendan Keeler will be headed to St.John’s, Newfoundland, to compete against some of the country’s best.

He’ll swim with Team New Brunswick at the Canada Summer Games.

The 16-year-old has been swimming competitively for around 8 years.

“It’s an unreal experience. It just feels weird to be part of such a high level of competition. When I found out I made the team, it was more a feeling of relief that I actually made it, then there was a lot of excitement. But once I actually think about it, it’s weird to wrap my head around,” Keeler says.

It’ll be his first time swimming at this high level of competition. “I’m trying my best to go as far as I can. It feels great to be representing the province, and knowing that they’re all supporting me,” Keeler expressed.

Keeler swims with the Codiac Vikings Aquatic Club in Riverview. His CVAC coach, Kate Trevors, will also be the Head Coach for Team New Brunswick’s swim team.

“It feels good knowing that, like I won’t have to switch coaches and change up my whole training style, it’ll be pretty similar,” Keeler explained.

He is currently in the pool training up to 15 hours per week.

He isn’t the first in the Keeler family to ever swim for Team New Brunswick at the Summer Games.

His brother Eoghan made the team and competed in 2022, and his father, John Keeler, was also a competitive swimmer.

“I just never wanted to fall short of him (Eohgan). I’ve just always wanted to be better than him, and he has pushed me the whole time,” Keeler says.

Brendan says his favourite stroke is the butterfly, which would be described by some as one of the hardest.

The Games run from August 8 to 25.