University of Calgary Athletics

One of the most recognizable Canadian athletes in history, Mark Tewksbury (LLD (Hon) '10) was a star at the University of Calgary long before he dove into the pool in Barcelona and won a gold medal. His Dinos teams won four consecutive national championships, with Tewksbury capturing 10 gold, two silver, and a bronze medal at the national championship meet through his career. He was a two-time Dinos male athlete of the year (1988, 1990). He is a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, the Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, Tewksbury received an honorary degree from the University of Calgary in 2010 and was Canada’s Chef de Mission for the London 2012 Olympics. 

The Dinos provided Tewksbury the coaching, training and means necessary to set him up for a successful life in the pool, but also provided him with the proper mindset to propel his post-swimming career.

With all of the accolades he racked up in the pool, Tewksbury is most proud of the work he has accomplished in the working world.

As a humanitarian, Tewksbury is constantly speaking to groups, athletes and non-athletes, sharing his inspirational messages as a mentor.