Barno Kasimova Executive Assistant: Steve embodies captivating qualities. His identity as a dedicated professional athlete is a testament to his unwavering determination, rapid learning abilities, and relentless pursuit of his objectives. Collaborating alongside him becomes a delightfully seamless endeavor. He adeptly absorbs information, forms a profound understanding of concepts, and forges connections with clients, effortlessly establishing rapport.
Before we dive into the inspiring journey of Steve Frantskevich, it’s essential to recognize his multifaceted talents. Steve is a dedicated and accomplished sales specialist and a 6-time Champion of Ontario in swimming. With an innate ability to navigate the intricate world of sales, Steve brings the same determination, dedication, and excellence that define his swimming career to his professional endeavors. Now, let’s explore the incredible story of Steve Frantskevich, a true champion both in the sales world and the swimming arena.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and where you grew up?
I was born in Haifa, Israel, and relocated to Toronto at the age of three. My upbringing and experiences have been shaped by Toronto, where I’ve spent my entire life. I am currently studying Finance at McGill University, fostering my passion for the financial world and advancing my education.
What is something you are passionate about, and why?
I’m passionate about finance because it allows me to blend my analytical skills and strategic thinking, a passion that has flourished alongside my Finance degree pursuit at McGill University. In this realm, I see the chance to make impactful decisions and navigate the complex domains of investments and economics, paralleling the dedication honed in my years of competitive swimming.
My love for travel is equally fervent, rooted in the belief that exploring and experiencing the world is integral to life. This passion has taken me to diverse countries for both personal enrichment and professional pursuits. Having embarked on journeys to various destinations, I’m excited to continue exploring extensively, aiming to uncover unique places, immerse myself in diverse cultures, and gather new experiences.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I had to pick a single destination from my extensive bucket list, Spain would undoubtedly be at the forefront. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Marbella, Ibiza, and Lloret de Mar stand out to me. The country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes have long held my fascination. From the awe-inspiring architecture of Barcelona to the vibrant ambiance of Ibiza, Spain offers a spectrum of experiences that I’m eagerly looking forward to exploring and immersing myself in.
Who is someone that has inspired you in your life, and why?
One of the most inspirational figures in my life is my father. He has been a constant pillar of support and the driving force behind my journey in competitive swimming. From coaching me during my early days in the sport to making personal sacrifices by waking up at 5 a.m. every day to drive me to practice, his dedication has been unmatched. His relentless hard work, selflessness, and ability to uplift my spirits with a few words have profoundly shaped my character and determination. Witnessing his sacrifices and unwavering efforts to provide for our family serves as a continuous motivation for me to strive for success and work diligently towards my goals. My ultimate aspiration is to reciprocate his support and ensure a comfortable and joyful retirement for my parents, offering them a glimpse of the happiness and comfort they wholeheartedly deserve after all they’ve done for me.
How do you stay motivated and focused in your work and personal life?
Maintaining motivation and focus is essential in both my professional and personal pursuits. I accomplish this by establishing precise and attainable goals that offer guidance and a sense of purpose. Whether I’m in the swimming pool or pursuing my career, having a clear target to work towards keeps me dedicated and resolute. Moreover, I’ve discovered that visualizing the outcome and envisioning the successful results of my endeavors, serves as a potent driving force. This mental imagery reinforces my determination, providing a constant reminder of my objectives and inspiring me to put in the necessary effort to realize my ambitions.
Do you have any favorite quotes or mantras that inspire you?
The quote by Adam Peaty, “We train 99% in the dark for the 1% in the light,” deeply resonates with me. This mantra consistently reminds me that rigorous and demanding efforts, commitment, and dedication all play a vital role in achieving that crucial 1% of success and triumph. When confronted with challenges or instances of waning motivation, this quote encourages me to wholeheartedly embrace the journey, navigate through the obstacles, and stay unwaveringly focused on the ultimate objective. It reinforces the concept that unwavering persistence and resolute determination during the arduous phases lay the foundation for those brilliant moments of accomplishment and victory.
What is something you’re grateful for today?
Today, I’m thankful for my capacity to embrace the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. Embracing and deriving happiness from these minor occurrences has enlightened me to the fact that they collectively shape the cornerstone of a life enriched with cherished and delightful memories. This outlook empowers me to relish every encounter, regardless of its apparent scale, and adds to a profound feeling of satisfaction and gratification.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, whom would it be and why?
If presented with the chance, I would opt to share a dinner with none other than Alexander the Great. His magnetic presence in history, marked by his achievements, military tactics, and impact on the ancient world, has perpetually captured my curiosity. Engaging in a meal with him would provide a distinct avenue to glean wisdom about his innovative leadership, inner motivations, and the monumental obstacles he confronted. Such an encounter promises a riveting dialogue that would delve into his journeys, strategies, and the enduring imprint he bequeathed, all while affording an invaluable window into the mindset of an extraordinary individual who reshaped the trajectory of human history.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Outside of work, my primary passion is competitive swimming, to which I’ve devoted eight years and progressively risen through the Canadian swimming ranks. Away from the pool, I’m deeply intrigued by geography, history, and geopolitics, expanding my understanding and outlook. Moreover, I nurture my creative side by selling art, especially acrylic and ink pieces, providing an outlet for my artistic self-expression.
We acknowledge your remarkable accomplishments in the realm of swimming. Kindly share with us the journey that has led you to this impressive level of success.
My journey in swimming began when I was just 8 years old, timidly dipping my toes into the water. However, it wasn’t until I turned 10 that I dived headfirst into the realm of competitive swimming. Those early years may not have resulted in major titles, but they laid the invaluable foundation for what was to come.
Swimming didn’t just teach me how to glide through the water; it imparted essential life skills at an early age — time management, dedication, and the true worth of hard work. Beyond the sport itself, the pool became a place where I cultivated lasting friendships, all while juggling school responsibilities and cherishing quality time with loved ones.
The pivotal moment arrived at the age of 14, during the Ontario Youth Junior Championships in March 2019. It was a landmark victory, marking my first significant win and a major provincial triumph. That same summer, I ventured to Calgary for my inaugural national competition. While I may not have reached the finals, the experience was exhilarating as I absorbed the event’s atmosphere and explored the vibrant city.
March 2020 brought a momentous victory — clinching the title at the Ontario Swimming Championships for the U15 age group. Little did I know, this achievement would be the last in-person domestic competition for over a year due to the pandemic. Throughout the ensuing lockdowns, my commitment to training intensified, with early dual sessions starting at 5 a.m. daily — a testament to my unwavering determination.
Amidst the challenging circumstances, the summer of 2021 presented an unexpected opportunity: the Israeli Swimming Championships. This event proved to be a turning point, propelling me to the title of Vice Junior Champion in Israel and solidifying my position as the fastest 16-year-old swimmer in Canada.
As the subsequent year unfolded, hope and ambition became my guiding lights. While I narrowly missed qualification for the Junior European Championships, I found solace in securing a spot on Team Israel for the Maccabiah Games 2022. Determined to seize this chance, I pushed myself to the limit, breaking personal records and even clinching the fastest time of the year for any Canadian in the U18 category.
Back on Canadian soil, a fresh challenge awaited at the Canadian Junior Championships. In a remarkable transformation from years prior, I emerged not only as a favorite but as a 2-time Canadian Champion. This victory was emotional, as I had never believed it to be within the realm of possibility during the same competition back in 2019. This moment marked the turning point that etched my name onto the national stage.
Embarking on my university journey, I joined the McGill University swim team, leaving ripples in my freshman year by shattering two university records. The momentum persisted as I continued to shine at prominent events, including the Ontario Swimming Championships, Canadian Trials, and Canadian Swimming Championships.
At the OSCs, I cemented my position as a 6-time Champion of Ontario in the open age group. The Canadian Trials showcased my growing prowess, with appearances in the finals as the youngest contender in not just one, but two events. Most recently, at the nationals, I secured victory in the 50, 100, and 200m breaststroke, etching my name as the 5th fastest 18-year-old in Canadian history for the 50m.
With a promising trajectory ahead, my sights are firmly set on the future. The recent nationals have ignited my Olympic aspirations, and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter of my journey, fueled by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Major Titles and Accolades:
- 5-time Junior Champion of Canada
- 2-time Junior Vice Champion of Israel
- 7-time Champion of Ontario
- 9-time Provincial Medalist
- 2-time Canadian Trials Finalist
- 3-time Israeli Trials Finalist
- 4-time Junior Israeli National Medalist
- Maccabiah Games Finalist
- 2-time McGill Record Holder
