University of Victoria Athletics

A national medalist in all five of her years with the University of Victoria Vikes swimming team, Mackenzie Downing is one of the most accomplished swimmers to ever don the Vikes blue and gold.
 
The native of Whitehorse, Yukon ended her varsity career as the most decorated female swimmer in UVic history. As a Vike, she was a recognized as an All-Canadian at each of her five National Championship competitions, garnering 17 CIS medals in total, and she retired as the Vikes record holder in the 50-, 100- and 200-metre butterfly as well as the 100- and 200-metre freestyle events.
 
The two-time University Of Victoria Female Athlete of the Year (2007 & 2008) was also able to springboard from her time with the Vikes to an extremely successful international career
 
As a National level competitor, she earned seven individual gold medals at Swimming Canada National Championships and qualified for numerous international events.
 
Downing represented Canada as a finalist in multiple major Games appearances including the 2007 World Championships; the 2006 and 2010 Pan Pacific Championships; the 2010 Commonwealth Games; and three FISU World Universiad Games.
 
The highlight of her International career was likely her performance at the 2007 FISU Games, where she earned gold in the 100-metre butterfly setting a new Canadian Record, while also picking up silver in the 200-metre butterfly; and bronze in the 4X100-metre medley relay.
 
Downing, who was inducted into the Vikes Swimming Platinum Circle of Excellence in 2013 also received the President's Cup in 2009, given annually to outstanding student-athlete who best combines scholastic achievement and athletic ability during her time at UVic.
 
Throughout her swimming career Downing fought bravely through injury and illness, and her persistence was obvious to all those around her. While her joint hypermobility facilitated her swimming, it also greatly increased her vulnerability to injury. She repeatedly suffered through dislocated kneecaps, and other injuries, that limited her ability to train and compete.
 
UVic Achievements
- Two-time University of Victoria Outstanding Athlete of the Year (2007, 2008)
-  University of Victoria Presidents Cup Award winner (2009)
- CIS Nationals 2005: Silver 400 FR, 800 FR, 100 FLY, 200 FLY
- CIS Nationals 2006: Bronze 800 FR, 100 FLY, 200 FLY
- CIS Nationals 2007: Silver 800 FR, 50 FLY, 100 FLY, 200 FLY
- CIS Nationals 2008: Gold 100 FLY, 200 FLY; Silver 50 FLY; Bronze 4x100 IM Relay
- CIS Nationals 2009: Silver 100 FLY, 200 FLY
- Canada West Rookie of the Year 2005
- Vikes Swimming Platinum Circle of Excellence
 
International Achievements
- 2005 FISU Games: 7th 4x100 FR
- 2006 Pan Pacific Games: 4th 4x100 IM
- 2007 FISU Games: Gold 100 FLY; Silver 200 FLY; Bronze 4x100 IM
- 2007 World Championships: 11th 4x100 IM
- 2009 UK Tri-Nations Cup: Silver 100 FLY, 200 FLY
- 2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships: 7th 200 FLY
- 2010 Commonwealth Games: 4th 4x100 IM
- 2011 FISU Games Opening Ceremony Team Canada Flag Bearer: 8th 200 FLY
 
National Titles: 7
Record Holder: Canadian, CIS, BC and UVic records
International highlights: 2007 FISU Games: Gold, Silver, Bronze
 
RECORDS
- CANADIAN: 100 Butterfly (2007), 4x100 Medley Relay (2006, 2007)
- PROVINCIAL: LC 50 Butterfly (2007), LC 100 Butterfly (2006, 2007), LC 200 Butterfly (2007), SC 50
Butterfly (2006, 2007), SC 100 Butterfly (2006), SC 200 Butterfly (2007)
- CIS: 100 Butterfly (2008)
- UVic: 50, 100, 200 Butterfly, and 100, 200 Freestyle
 
 
HONOURS AND AWARDS
2004 Victor Davis Memorial Scholarship Recipient
2004 - 2006 Three Time Swim BC Provincial Youth Team Member
2005 – 2013 Seven Time SNC National Senior Team member
2013 Vikes Swimming Platinum Circle of Excellence