Waterloo’s Allen Zheng finds confidence, camaraderie in varsity swimming

Throughout the years of early morning practices, team camaraderie, and finding his own confidence, the University of Waterloo swimmer, Allen Zheng, has grown into a leader in the pool.

Now in his final year of university competition, Zheng reflects on a journey that began at age 10—later than many competitive swimmers—when his parents enrolled him in lessons as a basic life skill. He wasn’t sure where the sport would take him, but an early breakthrough set him on his path.

“I think it was my second swim meet when I was a kid,” said Zheng. 

“I remember qualifying for regionals. At the time, I didn’t even know what it was, but my parents and coaches told me I made the times. That was pretty cool.”

That moment sparked a career that took him through the University of Ottawa for his undergraduate studies before bringing him to Waterloo to pursue optometry.

“Waterloo was the only English optometry school in Canada, so I didn’t have much of a choice,” said Zheng. 

“But I’m really glad I’m here.”

The 23-year-old competes primarily in sprint events—the 50-metre and 100-metre freestyle—grinding through six early-morning practices a week to perfect his technique. The intense training has paid off, particularly in team events like relays, where Zheng says he has found the most joy.

“Relays are really fun,” he said. 

“I really enjoy competing with three other teammates. One of my relay teammates, it was his very first OUA race, and it was really nice seeing him get his first medal. That was a great moment to share with my relay squad.”

The Waterloo men’s team captured a silver medal in that race, setting the tone for a competitive OUA championship. For Zheng, that level of energy and support from his teammates is what makes varsity swimming special.

“We swim for each other, and we just support each other,” he said. 

“That’s really important, especially for varsity athletes balancing school and sport. At OUAs, there was so much cheering and yelling—it created such a great atmosphere. It made me want to swim for the team even more.”

That team-first mentality has been crucial for Zheng, who admitted that confidence was something he had to develop over time. As a first-year student, he struggled to adjust to the academic workload and the demands of training. Over the years, the support of teammates and coaches helped him believe in himself.

“I think confidence is a big thing,” he said. 

“Back in first year, it was a hard adjustment from high school to university. Talking to my friends, teammates and coaches really helped me believe I can still do this.”

That belief extends beyond the pool. Zheng’s academic path into optometry was inspired by his own struggles with vision as a child, when he found it difficult to see while playing hockey and swimming. That changed when he received his first pair of sports goggles.

“I looked really weird,” he said with a laugh. 

“But it really helped me see things more clearly. I just want to help other people enjoy what’s around them, whether it’s sports or everyday life.”

Zheng has also found balance outside of athletics and academics. He picked up the guitar during the pandemic as a way to relax, learning to play songs by Ed Sheeran.

“Music helps me unwind,” he said. 

“For morning practice, I listen to chill music to relax. But before a race, I’ll listen to something upbeat—Eminem gets me going.”

As he prepares to close this chapter of his swimming career, Zheng has taken on the role of mentor for younger teammates, passing down the wisdom he’s gained over the years.

“I just tell them to have fun, make as many friends as possible, and don’t stress too much,” he said. 

“Everything will work out in the end.”

Though his time as a varsity athlete is coming to an end, Zheng remains grateful for the experience, the friendships, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

“If I didn’t have swimming, I’d be a completely different person,” he said. 

“I don’t think I’d be as organized or as dedicated. It’s taught me so much.”

And as he heads into his final U SPORTS championships, one thing remains unchanged—his love for competition.

“I just love racing the people beside me and being with my teammates,” he said. 

“It’s been a great journey.”