Surrey Swimmer Seray Sefayi Shines at World Championships

Seray Sefayi, a dedicated artistic swimmer from Surrey, recently showcased her talent at the 2025 World Aquatics Masters Championships held in Singapore. Competing against athletes from around the globe, Sefayi secured a gold medal in the Solo Technical Routine and a bronze in the Solo Free event, underscoring her commitment and skill in the sport.

The championships, which took place during the mid-summer season, marked a significant achievement for the 25-year-old athlete. This latest success adds to her impressive record, which includes a gold medal in duet and a bronze in solo at the 2024 Nationals in Montreal. Her accomplishments have not gone unnoticed; in 2024, she was honored as the Athlete of the Year by Pacific Wave, the artistic swim club in Richmond where she both trains and coaches.

Balancing Passion and Commitment

Sefayi’s journey in artistic swimming began at the age of seven, during a time when the sport was commonly referred to as synchronized swimming. Her early experiences in the pool were fueled by a passion for music, ballet, swimming, and gymnastics. Reflecting on her growth in the sport, Sefayi noted, “I think I had the talent for it, but then after a while you kind of have to make a decision if you’re going to either move on or continue in the sport.”

As many athletes face pivotal decisions at the end of their high school years regarding their future paths, Sefayi found a renewed commitment to artistic swimming. “My passion really grew at that point because I felt like I was in the sport for myself,” she explained. This shift allowed her to take full advantage of her training, leading to rapid improvement in her performance.

While pursuing her athletic goals, Sefayi also graduated with a degree in Health Sciences from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Although she is contemplating a future in dental school, her love for artistic swimming remains a central focus. She explained that the competitive season runs from September to June, featuring two competitions in British Columbia and additional events across Canada.

Upcoming Competitions and Community Engagement

The next major event on Sefayi’s calendar is scheduled for January 16-18, 2026, at the Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex, which will serve as a provincial qualifier for both Masters and National Stream competitors. As Sefayi prepares for this event, she emphasizes that Masters swimming is accessible to individuals of all skill levels, stating, “While the word ‘Masters’ can sound intimidating, Masters swimming is for people of all skill levels, from beginners to Masters World Record Holders.”

According to a post on Swimming Canada‘s website, the focus of Masters swimming is not only on competition but also on fitness, technique, and community. Many participants enjoy the social aspects of training with others who share similar goals. This camaraderie can be a substantial motivating factor for athletes to maintain their training routines.

Following her successful stint in Singapore, Sefayi also took the opportunity to spend time with family in Turkey. “I really enjoyed the whole experience, all the different sports coming together,” she said. The championships included various aquatic disciplines like speed swimming, water polo, and diving, creating a vibrant multi-sport atmosphere. “My event was exciting where I got to meet and compete with people from around the world. It was really positive,” she added.

As Sefayi continues her journey in artistic swimming, her story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes, illustrating the importance of passion, dedication, and community in achieving success in sports.