Donovan Tildesley captured the world's attention as Canada's flag bearer at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. He is also an accomplished swimmer who has traveled the world extensively. He has swum in many provincial and national competitions, setting many Canadian records.

Donovan, who was born blind, began skiing at age three, took both piano and drum lessons, and ran cross-country in elementary school. He began a lifelong love affair with radio at the age of five, when he phoned into CISL 650, and was put on the air by morning radio legend, Don Percy. After visiting the station later that summer, Donovan decided that one day he would work in radio.

Donovan's other passion as a child was swimming. His parents first put him in the water before he was six months old, and by age nine, he had joined his first swim team at Vancouver's Arbutus Club.

Three years later, at a provincial competition in Kamloops, he first heard about the Paralympics. Donovan joined the national team at age sixteen, where he competed in the Sydney 2000 Paralympics, winning a bronze medal in the 200 m individual medley. Donovan's first splash onto the international stage marked the beginning of an illustrious nine-year career in the pool. Coached by his father, Dr. Hugh Tildesley, career highlights included five golds and one silver medal at the 2002 IPC World Championships, participation in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, multiple gold medals at the 2007 Parapan American Games, two silvers and one bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, and a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Donovan is also the world record holder in both the 800 m and 1500 m freestyle. He also had the honour of being Canada's flag bearer at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.

Donovan has volunteered his time with RBC's Olympian program. In addition to being a motivational speaker, he works full-time as an insurance broker. He has a passion for radio, and is part-owner of two radio stations in Whistler. He holds a BA in English Literature from the University of British Columbia.