Laurier’s Kent Goni Avila set to test himself on international stage in England

Kent Goni Avila is no stranger to tough races, but the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks swimmer is about to race one of his biggest yet — a dual meet in Great Britain against England University All-Stars.

“It’s a new experience, a chance to race outside of Canada and see where I really stand,” said Goni Avila. 

“I’ve never competed internationally at this level, so I’m excited, but also focused.”

For the sprinter, this trip across the Atlantic is more than just a competition, it’s a personal milestone after years of steady progress and external challenges. 

“COVID made training really difficult,” he said. 

“We were trying to keep things going at home, but it wasn’t the same. That time taught me how to stay disciplined and push myself even when there’s no one watching.”

Goni Avila came to Laurier seeking both academic and athletic opportunities. He found a supportive environment that helped him grow on and off the pool deck, one that challenged him to be a better swimmer, teammate and leader.

“Joining a new team in a new culture is not easy,” he said. 

“But my coaches and teammates helped me adjust. It’s been a process of learning about myself, about how to race smarter, train better, and be part of a high-performance culture.”

That culture has helped Goni Avila make steady strides in his signature event, the 100m butterfly. A strong technical swimmer with explosive speed, he’s now honing the endurance and pacing needed to succeed internationally.

“To be a good sprinter, especially in fly, you need to have natural speed,” he explained. 

“But if you go out too fast, you can lose everything in the last 25 metres. It’s about the balance between power and control.”

While he’s raced at the national level in Canada, this meet offers something different: a chance to measure himself against a new field of athletes, in an unfamiliar setting.

“I’m training harder and more specifically for this meet than I ever have,” he said.

 “This is about seeing where I am, and where I still need to go. I want to bring everything I’ve learned with me to the blocks in England.”

Goni Avila isn’t just thinking about results. He’s also thinking about what the experience will bring, the opportunity to grow as an athlete, learn from international competitors, and carry that insight back to Laurier.

“I’m looking forward to being around other swimmers, seeing different styles, different strategies,” he said.

“It’s a chance to learn, and hopefully to bring something back that helps my team here.”

That team-first attitude has been part of his evolution. Now a leader within the Laurier program, Goni Avila helps set the tone at practice and is a vocal supporter of younger teammates. His work ethic and determination are well known around the pool.

“There’s a good vibe in our practices,” he said. 

“We push each other. We want to get better, and that starts with showing up and giving everything.”