Raphaëlle Tremblay swims toward excellence at Laval and in law

She’s from Rivière-du-Loup, has been swimming since she was a child, and just completed a dazzling first year of university. A law student at Université Laval and Rouge et Or swim team rookie, Raphaëlle Tremblay embodies determination, adaptability and the promise of a bright future–in the pool and in the classroom.  

“I finished my first year last week, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for better,” the 20-year-old swimmer confides.  

“It was stressful, demanding, but I experienced some extraordinary moments.” 

From the age of seven, Tremblay was diving in her local club’s pool. She climbed the rankings of the civil circuit from the time she was 11, remaining loyal to her Rivière-du-Loup club. But it’s in Quebec City that she chose to pursue her university career, a natural choice inspired by her sister, Gabrielle, a former Rouge et Or athlete herself.

“My sister is nine years older than me, she studied pharmacy at Laval and has always been a role model for me,” Tremblay says.

“She put all her energy into everything that she did. I think that really helped me to become professional from a young age.”

This year of transition to the university level was as formative as it was intense. Leaving the family nest, a new environment, a change in coaches after eight years under the same leadership: the swimmer admits to having moments of doubt. 

“I found it really hard to adapt at first, but I knew that it would be simultaneously the worst year and the best year of my life,” she says.

“It’s a big push to get through. But I knew that by persevering, I could get there.”

And she did get there. Named to the U SPORTS team for an international competition. U SPORTS announced that a team of the best Canadian university swimmers would travel to Great Britain this summer to face off in an international dual meet against the English university all-star team. Tremblay is preparing to experience her first competition abroad without her coaches, no small feat for this young athlete with small-town roots. 

“I’m excited to see what I’ll be able to accomplish in this setting,” she says.

“It will be an opportunity to learn from others, and to develop a more professional side.” 

Alongside her aquatic exploits, Tremblay is studying law, a demanding program which she describes as a true intellectual marathon. 

“I wasn’t expecting such a heavy workload,” she says.

“There were weeks where I had 18 hours of classes, eight training sessions, and a competition. You sleep less, you’re drained, but you continue.”

However, balancing her studies and her sport is part of her DNA.

“Since we were little we’ve been juggling school and swimming. That’s how we work.”

This resilience earned her the title of Rouge et Or Rookie of the Year. A surprising, but deserved honour, in her own words. 

“I never thought I would receive this award, honestly. But it’s given me a lot of confidence moving forward,” she says.

“It’s allowed me to finish the year on a great note.”

And as for the future? Tremblay is keeping her sights set on the water and her professional goals.

“I’m starting an internship this summer at a law firm. It will help me to see what kind of law I’m most drawn to,” she explains.

“For now I’m interested in family law and human rights.”

The harmony of academic rigour and dedication to her sport push her to savour every moment of her university career. Even in the toughest moments, he has her feet on the ground–or rather, in the water.

“We’re tired, it’s difficult at times, but we’re so lucky,” she says.

“I’m trying to make the most of it because I know these years will fly by.”