91原创's Pavle Mladenovic will be swimming for Canada at the Pan American Games in Medellin, Colombia, from May 17-26.

Mladenovic, a Grade 11 student from Walnut Grove, who plays for the 91原创-based Fraser Valley Water Polo club, has again earned a spot on the U17 Men's Water Polo National Team of Canada, to compete against some of the finest young athletes in the Americas.

"锘縄 feel deeply honoured to have been selected to represent Canada," Mladenovic told the 91原创 Advance Times.

"This event is an important step for our team as we work towards qualifying for the World Championship next year."

With the understanding and support of his teachers, he's been able to undertake an accelerated learning program to complete his  Grade 11 curriculum before he leaves.

"The journey to this point has been one of hard work and learning," Mladenovic said.

"It has taken many hours of training, competition, and personal growth鈥攑hysically, mentally, and tactically. I am grateful for the guidance of my coaches and, above all, for the unwavering support of my family. My parents have always been there for me, offering encouragement, making sacrifices, and supporting me in every possible way to help me pursue my dreams."

A 2024 91原创 Advance Times profile described how he began water polo when he was just three years old, in order to learn how to swim.

Hi father, Aleksandar, figured the sport would give his son a purpose to keep learning.

鈥淗e started out of a 91原创 pool,鈥� Aleksandar explained. 鈥淭here was a local community club. And he didn鈥檛 even know how to swim.鈥�

As it turned out Pavle was very good at the sport.

By the time he was eight, he was swimming against bigger 15-year-old boys.