# @varsityblues on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CxvK-4fLZun
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/21951865-varsityblues-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/b6a76ba7bc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-09-28T13:24:03.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** U of T Varsity Blues (@varsityblues) — https://gondola.cc/varsityblues

## Caption

Enjoying the little moments.

A senior with the Varsity Blues swimming team specializing in butterfly, Caroline Carruthers claimed two bronze medals at the 2023 OUA championships as the University of Toronto women earned a ninth consecutive provincial banner. But for the physiology, health and disease major and immunology minor, it was a Day 1 prelim interaction that has remained with her.

"I hadn't been swimming at my best which is arguable very frustrating, but one of my closest friends and teammates, Ainsley McMurray, was aware of this and was my biggest supporter that day," explained Carruthers. “I ended up posting my fastest time in the past five years and I was so relieved and thrilled, and Ainsley was the first person behind the blocks jumping up and down for me even though she was literally in the next heat.

"I think given all the uncertainty and instability I had experienced in the past few years with sport, this moment stands out to me as the moment I realized I was in the right place, and being backed by such a supportive team of men and women is something that I am so lucky to have."

This joy for the little moments extends beyond the pool for Carruthers. She has found that same flourish within her studies, making a big leap to the University of Toronto after beginning her post-secondary career in the United Kingdom.

"Coming back to Canada, I focused on applying to U of T because of the opportunities that are available in every aspect of the school. I knew from a sport perspective what the team had to offer, but I also was excited by the academic and extracurricular possibilities that seem endless."

Within her studies, Carruthers has already had the chance to undertake a work-study research position at Toronto General Hospital, as well as an independent research project within her faculty, all while keeping an eye on her future.

"After moving around a lot in the previous years, I wanted to find a university that I could see myself being at for the next five to seven years if I undertook a Master's or medical school. U of T made it an easy choice for me."

WE ALL #BLEEDBLUE | #WeAreTO | #StudentAthleteStories

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## Tags

weareto, studentathletestories, bleedblue

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