Donovan Tildesley

Donovan Tildesley is a retired blind Canadian swimmer. He was the flag bearer of Canada at the 2008 Paralympic Games.

Swimming career

He started swimming at the age of nine. Until 2000, he had swum in many provincial and national competitions, setting many Canadian records.
He is the current world record holder for the 800-metre freestyle and the 1500-metre freestyle.

Personal life and education

Tildesley graduated from the University of British Columbia in spring 2008 with an English degree Donovan works full-time as an insurance broker for Buntain Insurance Agencies in Vancouver. He also does public speaking and is a co-owner of a small radio station in Whistler, British Columbia. In May 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia, Tildesley advocated for blind British Columbians to be given vaccine priority similar to vulnerable groups with other medical conditions. Donovan is also a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and is currently contracted with Virgin Cruise Lines as an Accessibility Consultant. In 2024, Tildesley portrayed a blind veteran and lent his voice for the end narration of a Heritage Minute honouring Edwin Baker.