About Us

Here at the Global Swim Series, we’re passionate about open water swimming. Our aim is to grow the sport of open water swimming by building a worldwide series that connects swimmers from around the globe, creating a competitive and fun environment. We want to encourage participation as much as ability. We give swimmers the opportunity gain exposure to new open water races, each with their own unique venue and environment, while still competing against other swimmers across the globe.

Our new goal is to leverage the popularity of Legends in the sport of swimming to get everyone in the water by competing in our "Race The Legends" events!

Race The Legends events allow swimmers a chance to race against some of the greatest swimmers of past and present. Creating a unique environment and experience not seen anywhere else. One you don’t want to miss!

History

The Global Swim Series started as an idea put together by a few local race directors in Ontario, Canada. That we could create something bigger than just our own local race. We wanted a way to connect swimmers from other races and give them a fun way to compete against one another.

Founded in 2014, the Global Swim Series had its inaugural season known as the Canadian Open Water Swim Series and had 12 races spread across Canada from Halifax to Vancouver. The first season had over 2,000 participants with a breadth of experience from former Olympians, nationally ranked club swimmers, NCAA and USport athletes, marathon swimmers, and Ironman triathletes. But welcomed plenty of participants without any auspicious credentials and encouraged those new to the sport of Open Water Swimming to join the fun. Our unique balance of competition and participation encouraged all those enthusiastic about the sport to come out and get into the competition.

After an impressive first year in Canada, the decision was made to go global and thus the Global Swim Series was born. We had our first full year starting in May 2015 and the series was a resounding success in a multitude of locations worldwide. We experienced tremendous growth and enthusiasm and saw the series grow to 200+ races, in 35+ countries, with over 100,000 participants!

After 2 years of shutdowns we were undeterred. We shifted gears and created "Race The Legends". We reached out to our connections with some of the best swimmers around the world to create a unique experience for all. With global sights and incredible partners, we look too to grow the sport and create unforgettable memories and amazing experiences.

Come with us and Race The Legends around the whole world!

GSS Executive Team

Rob Kent

President & CEO

Rob has a breadth of swimming experience that spans decades. A former National silver medalist, an accomplished marathon swimmer including a 21 hour crossing of Lake Ontario, has run 45 marathons and ultra-marathons and 6 Ironman triathlons. He is also the founder of the Lake Ontario Swim Team (LOST Swimming), one of the largest open water swim teams in the world.

Professionally Rob was an investment banking executive for 25 years, entrepreneur and university professor of international finance, and CFO of a healthcare conglomerate. In 2019 he left his position of Treasurer of one of the largest banks in the world to become the GM of the Toronto Titans of the ISL (International Swimming League).

Rob's overall goal is to encourage others to get involved in swimming and open water swimming in particular, but also just to have some fun and adventure along the way!

Dylan Kent

Co-Founder

Dylan is the co-founder of GSS and brings a wealth of swimming experience and enthusiasm to the table. A former NCAA and Canadian national level swimmer. Dylan has an extensive background in open water swimming both competing, organizing and crewing for some of the world's biggest swims. He has a background in finance and private equity. When Rob became the GM of the Toronto Titans, Dylan joined him as Assistant GM too. Dylan is keen to further grow participation and excitement around the sport of open water swimming.

Ryan Lochte

Partner

Ryan Lochte is a true legend in the sport of swimming. The second most decorated Olympic swimmer of all time, with 12 medals, including 6 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze. 91 medals in major international competitions, 39 World Championship titles, multiple World Records and multiple Swimmer of the Year awards.

Ryan brings his passion for swimming to the Global Swim Series with the brand new Race The Legends format as he hope to help GSS take the sport of swimming to the next level.

Contact Us

Got a question? Drop us an email!
Email: info@globalswimseries.com

Advertising Inquiries

The Global Swim Series works with a variety of different partners around the world. We offer a number of different opportunities when it comes to sponsorship, advertising and partnership. If you’re interested in inquiring further please drop us an email at info@globalswimseries.com

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