The most decorated Thunderbird of all-time, Brian Johns, prepares to represent Canada at his third Olympic Games - photo by Martin Dee

UBC Reports | Vol. 54 | No. 7 | Jul. 3, 2008

Olympic Vet Reflects on UBC Education

By Ben Schach

Brian Johns won 33 gold medals competing as a Thunderbird, claiming only one silver at the CIS level in his five years in the pool, a loss to fellow three-time Olympian Rick Say in his freshman season.

As Johns prepares to represent Canada at his third straight Olympic Games, he has had time to reflect on his time as a Thunderbird.

“UBC has allowed me to get a well-rounded education,” said the 25-year-old Richmond native who plans to finish his Human Kinetics degree after Beijing.  “The challenges that the university provided me, not only in the water but also in school, have helped me become a better athlete and a better leader on the team.

“Not only that, but the relationships that I’ve developed as part of the swim team have helped me not only be the best right now, but also after I’m done swimming.”

Beijing Bound: Send-off Event

Watch a video of Brian Johns comment on the Olympics / Paralympics in Beijing.