Martine Korban,
Director at Large

In my youth, swimming meant playing in the waves and jumping into an Olympic-size pool without lane ropes. The freedom and excitement of splashing around with friends made those days unforgettable. During my university years, swimming became a daily activity, going up and down and stopping at the end of each 25 metres. It was only when I moved to Penticton in September 1996 that I actually learned how to “swim” with interval training and started participating in pool competitions. My first one was with the KISU club; the 10-year-old kids told me to go second on a relay, since they could tell I was the slowest. Next, it was an individual 50 back event against a 30+ year-old lady, and she beat me. I realized Masters swimming is all about Fun, Fitness, and Friendship. I have been participating in Masters swim meets provincially and nationally for three decades. I qualified and participated in a few FINA World Championships: Sweden in 2010, Italy in 2012, Kazan in 2015, and Singapore in 2025. I also participated in the World Masters Games in swimming in 2022 (Edmonton) with MSABC relays, 2017 in New Zealand, and Taipei in 2025. I just love swimming, and I am always looking for the next venue to visit a new part of BC, Canada, or the world. My way to set new goals and a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends.

I love participating in open water swims. My first as a rookie was the 12 km Skaha Lake swim. I am not sure why I did it, other than I was told by the meet managers that it was going to be the last year (1999). So, I jumped in and had no idea what I was doing. That experience sparked a lasting passion, and I have embraced the open-water swims in the Okanagan for many years. I also participated in triathlons just because they included a swim! Over the past year, I have started learning to officiate at swim meets as a way of giving back to all the officials who supported my participation in this sport. Becoming an official has given me a new perspective and appreciation for the dedication behind every event, and it's been rewarding to help create a positive experience for other swimmers.

I am looking forward to supporting and helping the Board and all members of MSABC in the next 2 years.