VICTORIA – After 41 years leading the University of Victoria's swim program, Dr. Peter Vizsolyi continues to shape the legacy of Canadian swimming, earning a rare dual honour as the first individual inducted into the BC Swimming Hall of Fame in both the Coach and Builder categories.
Vizsolyi served as head coach of the University of Victoria swim program from 1983 until his retirement in 2024, leading one of the most consistent programs in the country. He continues to work as an assistant coach with the VIkes even beyond his retirement from the program's helm. Under his guidance, Vikes swimmers earned 470 national medals, 58 top-10 team finishes, and represented Canada at 19 Olympic and Paralympic Games. His athletes collected 77 international medals along the way, and Vizsolyi was twice named U SPORTS Coach of the Year.
Beyond competitive results, he played a pivotal role in building the province's swimming framework. Vizsolyi co-founded Island Swimming in 1988 and later served as Technical Director for Pacific Coast Swimming, creating a seamless pathway between club and varsity programs. As sport chair for the 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games, he helped develop Saanich Commonwealth Place—now one of Canada's leading aquatic facilities and a cornerstone for both community and high-performance sport.
His influence extends into sport governance, where he contributed to Swim BC, Swimming Canada, and the Canadian Swim Coaches Association. Alongside coaching, he maintained a career in family and sports medicine, combining his medical expertise with his commitment to athlete development and well-being.
Known for his steadfast determination and focus on long-term development, Vizsolyi has mentored generations of swimmers and coaches who continue to build on his legacy.
Swim BC's dual recognition highlights the full scope of his impact—as a coach, a builder, and a leader whose influence continues to shape swimming in British Columbia and across Canada.
