George Gate is known as the grandfather of modern Canadian swimming. He began his career in a small British Columbia logging town, where, in addition to serving as the manager and lifeguard at the town pool, he pioneered swimming techniques that became standard practice across the country. His racers set 26 national records and made up half of the 1964 men's Olympic team. He then transformed the Pointe-Claire aquatic centre from a local pool into a world-class swimming and diving facility, and developed unique programs for novice swimmers and persons with disabilities. Selected seven times as head coach of Canada's national teams, he has been a revered mentor to athletes and coaches alike.