Michael Ivanov and Tatum O’Connor made history for the Badgers, crowning them as Brock University’s student athletes of the week.
For the first time in Brock University history, the track and field team can boast a national gold medalist. Michael Ivanov, a third-year athlete from Niagara Falls, cemented his place in the record books with a dominant performance at the 2025 U SPORTS Championships on March 8. Competing in the men’s pole vault, Ivanov not only won gold but set a new personal best, clearing 5.12 metres in an exciting moment that had the crowd on its feet. The victory marked a milestone not only for Ivanov but for Brock’s entire track field team, as it secured the team’s first-ever U SPORTS gold.
Ivanov entered the competition with confidence, successfully clearing four different heights before securing the win with a 4.90-metre jump. Rather than stopping there, he pushed himself further, attempting — and succeeding — in clearing 5.12 metres on his first attempt. His final jump was an impressive 32 centimetres higher than the second-place finisher, Emmanuel Desilets of the Western Mustangs, who cleared 4.80 metres.
The win capped off a remarkable season for Ivanov, who dominated the pole vault event at both the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and U SPORTS Championships. His consistency throughout the year earned him Brock University’s Athlete of the Week honours three times and his gold-medal performance at nationals solidified his status as one of the best athletes in the country.
Meanwhile, Brock’s swimming program also had a historic moment, thanks to second-year swimmer Tatum O’Connor. The Dundas-born athlete delivered an outstanding performance at the U SPORTS Championships, ending a 23-year medal drought for Brock’s swim team. Her ability to rise to the occasion and perform under pressure showcased not only her individual talent but the growth of Brock’s swimming team.
O’Connor’s first breakthrough came on March 7, when she claimed bronze in the 50-metre backstroke with a time of 27.65 seconds. The following night, she built on that success, earning a second bronze in the 100-metre backstroke with a time of 1:00.31. Her speed and precision in the water made her one of the standout performers of the championship. She came within milliseconds of adding a third medal to her collection in the 50-metre butterfly, finishing just outside of a podium position in fourth place with a time of 27.40 seconds.
Her performance at nationals was the perfect ending to a season filled with success. Earlier in the year, O’Connor dominated the OUA Championships, winning three gold medals and one silver. Her ability to consistently perform at the high level earned her Brock’s Athlete of the Week award on three separate occasions. Her progression from a strong provincial competitor to a national medalist is proof of her dedication and steady improvement.
The significance of Ivanov and O’Connor’s achievements are more than just their individual successes. Their performances have helped elevate Brock University’s reputations in U SPORTS, proving that its athletic programs can compete with the best in the country.
Looking ahead, both athletes still have more to accomplish. Ivanov, with another year of eligibility left, has the opportunity to defend his title and push his limits even further. If his progression continues, he could set sights on representing Canada on the international stage. O’Connor, only in her second year, has already positioned herself as one of the top swimmers in U SPORTS. With more experience and training, she has the potential to turn her national bronze medals to gold.