Those who inspire

 

Masters swimming is about fitness, it is about competition, and it is about friendship and camaraderie. It is about setting goals and working to achieve them. But more importantly, it is about the myriad of ways that swimming affects the way we live.

Below are stories of Florida LMSC swimmers, mostly in their own words, which relate how Masters swimming has the power to change lives. And when we occasionally may feel overwhelmed by our own aches and pains or our setbacks, we can re-read these letters about some wonderful people who have overcome their adversities. We can find strength in their stories, and we can be grateful that we, too, are Masters swimmers. Even more, we can be grateful that we can call these people our friends.

 

Pete Arnold | Al Chipman | Richard Criche | Paul Hutinger | Elmer Luke | Don McPhee

Sue Moucha | Kay Schimpf | Charles Schlegel | Ruth Switzer | Helen Vetter | Gertrud Zint

 

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Pete Arnold

When I was asked "Why masters swimming was important to me?" I immediately thought of a tee shirt I have that says "Swimming is Life." For me, the word "life" has two meanings as it applies to my Masters swimming:

First, as with most Masters swimmers, it changed my life dramatically for the better. When I started swimming again at age 58, I had been away from swimming (and most other exercise) for almost 40 years. After six months of training, I entered a senior games meet and won 10 gold medals (I was the only one in my age group). Five months later I entered my first Masters meet and won no gold medals. It took about a year, including an age up birthday, before I began to win my share of medals at Masters meets. By then I was hooked -- to the competition and to the social aspects of training and meets.

By then I had also realized how "at home" I felt with swimmers. At that time, I lived on the Florida East coast and swam for St. Pete Masters on the West coast. Every time I drove across the state to a meet I felt like I was coming home to my new "family" of swimmers. I remember the first time I was on a starting block at my first Masters meet when I heard a voice shout "GO PETE." At another meet, a woman I had never seen before said, "Nice race, Pete." At another meet, I was barely able to crawl out of the pool after a 50 meter fly when a voice said, "Is that Pete Arnold from Boca Ciega High School?" They were all teammates -- two I had never met before and the third was also a teammate from high school that I had not seen in 40 years. These, and other new friends and acquaintances made my first five years of Masters swimming more enjoyable and rewarding than any other period in my life.

The second meaning of the word "LIFE" as it applies to my Masters swimming career is the literal meaning. In November of 2002, as I neared the end of a morning workout, I experienced a moderate pain in my chest. I stopped at the wall and another swimmer stopped to see why I had stopped in the middle of the specified distance. I was immediately surrounded by teammates and lifeguards, including several nurses and a doctor. The ambulance came and rushed me to a hospital where I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurism. This diagnosis was made quickly because the doctor who had been with me at pool side called another St. Pete Masters doctor, who was a cardiologist. He advised the emergency room doctors to get me into a CAT scan immediately to see if it was an aneurism. I learned later that there is about a 90% mortality rate for aortic aneurisms (actor John Ritter and quarterback Otto Graham are two recent examples) and that I had probably survived for two reasons: first, my heart was in good condition from all the exercise I was getting in the pool, and secondly, I had received very fast diagnosis and treatment.

I will be forever grateful to a group of Masters swimmers who assisted my wife while my survival was in doubt. They picked her up, drove her to the hospital, moved my car from the pool to the hospital, and sat with her while I was in surgery. The visits, phone calls, and E-mails from teammates and other Masters swimmers from around the state were a great boost to my spirits during my recovery.

I was back in the pool after about seven weeks and continue to swim six days a week. The doctors have ordered me not to swim hard, not to engage in any competitive workouts and not to enter any meets. That seemed to end my Masters career, but it really hasn't. Although I mostly workout alone, I do see my teammates every day -- and I cheat a little and workout with my former group on Sundays. I only have to make a few adjustments to the workout. When It says FAST, I change it SLOW. When it says SPRINT, I change it to DRILL. When the main set says ALL OUT, I change it to W ARM DOWN and go home a little before my teammates. Although I don't swim in the meets, I do officiate at our St. Pete Masters meets and get to see my many out of town masters friends.

So, Masters Swimming has given me both a new life and a second life. I can't ask for any more than that.

 

Al Chipman

As a youngster, growing up in a small midwestern town, to swim was a "river activity" -- swinging from trees on knotted rope drops and jumping off low bridges. Nearby lakes offered challenges for diving but a city YMCA natatorium was the real start; offering swimming lessons. An activity to have life long benefits.

The second World War, during University years, meant meeting military obligations as an Infantryman in Italy. A dramatic change entered my life: losing a left leg above the knee. Returning to a strong wife and family, completing an education and gaining employment meant adjustments accommodating this physical loss. Instead of sympathy and depression, it assisted in a builder of character and determination. I discovered strong support and understanding by others who provided opportunities and challenges in work and social activities.

Here's the story of swimming as a therapeutic and healing process. Being an architect designer, sitting and drafting for hours needed physical involvement and the nearby Y with a Masters swimming program was the answer. Beyond swimming was the fellowship extended by these swimmers. You were welcomed and included even missing a limb -- it was a good feeling to know you were accepted like everyone else. Then a move from Chicago to Florida for retirement (only from work, not swimming) .Swimming became a satisfaction of life for enjoyment to continue meeting new people and friends. The local Space Coast Masters program offered even more opportunities in friendship, travel and building a solid base for quality health and life beyond what I anticipated.

Florida is unique, offering tremendous competitive swimming experiences. St. Pete, Clearwater, Orlando, Lakeland, Sarasota, home of excellent teams. My awards are in the middle of the road, excelling in back and freestyle events. Being in the 80 to 84 year age group offers good competition, and living next to a 25-yard community pool allows drills five days a week and readying for the next meet.

After thought from 1944: I still hear the words of a Walter Reed Army Doctor prior to my medical discharge: "You'll not be able to run the beaches of Florida, but instead, [go] live in the cool northern climates with your artificial leg."

DAAH!

Sometimes what one doesn't have develops challenges to use what you do have. Swimming became an internal part of my life. Indeed, I am fortunate.

Al Chipman received the Florida LMSC's 2004 Overcoming Adversity Award

Richard Criche

I feel honored that you would consider me for this award.

In 1995, I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. I used my training for Masters events to control the diabetes with diet and exercise. The workouts for Masters events gave me additional motivation to maintain an improved level of fitness.

In October, 2000, after I experienced several silent heart attacks, I underwent multiple-bypass surgery to replace six arteries. The surgeon attributes the success of the operation to my excellent physical condition. My swimming routine of 2500 yds a day, fours days a week helped build collateral arteries around some of the blockages.

In January, 2001, I was able to get back in the water, starting with 500 yds a day, five days a week. I added 100 yds a day, each week until I reached 1500 yds a day, five days a week.

The second week in March 2001, I experienced what the medical people refer to as a "sudden death heart attack." The surgeons put an AICD (Automatic Implantable Cardiovascular Defibrillator) in my chest.

After what I call my "second mandatory eight count," I was able to return to the water. Once again, I had another buildup period.

I continue to swim to maintain my physical fitness. I also work with potential Masters swimmers at the Deland YMCA where I workout. Like many other people, I think Masters swimming fills a need for post high school and college swimmers and provides a venue for continued competition. More importantly, is the physical well-being from the exercise. You don't have to be a super star to participate. I also enjoy the comradeship of the other Master swimmers---a great combination.

 

~~~~~ a letter from Dr. Paul Hutinger nominating Richard Criche for the Florida LMSC Overcoming Adversity Award ~~~~~

I first met Richard after he joined the Mavericks in 1999, when he swam at a senior meet in Sarasota. With all his heart challenges, I didn't see him again until 2001.

In spite of his diabetes and heart problems, he trains diligently, averaging four days a week. Although he no longer is able to train with the intensity as he did in previous years, he's swimming for his fitness and improved health.

He lives on the east coast of Florida, and he is a frequent competitor in meets on the west coast. His wife asks him why he drives so far to swim, and he replies, "I want to swim with my friends." He frequently tells me, "I'm a good swimmer, just not very fast." He comes to most of our team meets and swims eight events, "for points." He's always willing to swim on relays, and has achieved Top Ten rankings the past two years.

Now that he's back in the water, he has been a regular participant in the postal swims, as he enjoys the pace and challenge of the longer swims. In 2004, he participated in the USMS Virtual Swim Series, turning in logs totaling 86 miles.

Criche is a positive team player, supportive of the other Mavericks and continues to overcome his adversities.

 

Paul Hutinger

Ever since I started competing in gymnastics and swimming in high school, I always pushed myself during workouts and meets. I wanted to do the best that I possibly could. Now that I'm 81, I have continued to follow this work ethic in spite of the many adversities I have faced.

When I was 55, I developed rheumatoid arthritis, which attacks the immune system. My body ached all over like a bad case of the flu. Many mornings I felt so miserable I didn't want to go to the pool. I went, anyway. I discovered that my swimming did more to relieve my symptoms than the medications prescribed by my doctor.

Through the years, I had many bicycle crashes, but none very severe. In the spring of 1998, I had my worst bike crash, landing on my shoulder on the hard concrete. Swimming was my solution to keep active and participating in my favorite activity. After surgery in the fall, I could only swim using my good arm. My inspiration was Sue Moucha. if she could compete with one arm, certainly I could. My initial goals and objectives were to keep myself in Masters swimming, improve my one-arm swimming and maintain my fitness level until I was strong enough to compete with both arms.

Throughout my 35 years in Masters swimming, some of my injuries have been at the top of my age group. For my motivation, I used the times from the next age group as my goals.

In the past four years, I've had to compensate and back off of my usual high intensive training due to a blood pressure stroke, two prostate reduction surgeries, nocardia (a severe bacterial infection), as well as more sever injury to my left humorous and shoulder joint.

By continuing to train and compete, in spite of my adversities, I hope that I am able to inspire other swimmers to remain in the Masters program, and do the best with whatever they have.

 

~~~~~ a letter from Margie Hutinger nominating Paul Hutinger for the Florida LMSC Overcoming Adversity Award ~~~~~

I have known Paul for 16 years. In our early relationship, it didn't take me long to recognize the determination and grit he exhibited in training and competition, in spite of days with continuous aches and pains and fatigue from rheumatoid arthritis.

For many years, he was a triathlete and bicycle racer. In the course of numerous bicycle training rides and competitions, he had several crashes with minor road rash. The most severe was in the spring of 1998. The rider in front of him didn't signal she was braking and Paul flew head over handlebars and landed shoulder first on the unforgiving concrete. That didn't keep him off his bike and out of the pool for very long. At LCM Nationals in August, his shoulder joint got the best of him and swelled up after one of his races. I got him an ice pack and he was back in the water swimming a relay for team points ... with only his good arm. In October, he had the supraspinatus muscle reattached. As soon as the stitches were removed, he was back to swim training. Since he couldn't use his left arm, he did all his training with one arm. In order to compete at the National Sr. Games in 1999, he had to qualify at the State meet, in November, six weeks later. Swimming with only one arm, he won four events and qualified in six events.

Since then, he has had two prostate reduction surgeries. A severe bacterial infection, nocardia (started in his finger and worked upwards on his arm), kept him hospitalized for two weeks. After each confinement, the first question he asked his doctor was, "How soon can I swim?"

This past year, his left shoulder joint continued to plague him. It started to dislocate when he brought his arm forward. That was very painful to pop back into place, so he avoided those movements which aggravated it. He experimented with starts (left arm at side), turns (timed so he touched with his right arm), pushoffs (streamlining with one arm was a challenge) and one arm fly, breast and free. He could have stuck with his three back events, which he was able to swim with both arms (no dislocation on the backward movement), but he was determined to work on the other strokes also. He has talked to shoulder specialists about a shoulder replacement, but his joint is so deteriorated from rheumatoid arthritis and bike crashes that the typical replacement wouldn't work. The alternative wouldn't allow him the adequate movement to compete in swimming.

He trains diligently, five times a week, to perfect his one arm swimming, so he will be competitive. For two meets, he had a doctor's script requesting that he be allowed to compete with one arm, but was told by the officials he would be disqualified in his fly events. He swam them anyway, including the 200! He wanted to demonstrate to other swimmers what it was possible to accomplish, even though an injury or surgery would prevent them from using both arms or legs.

In spite of all Paul's trials and tribulations, he continues to maintain a positive attitude. No matter what adversity he faces, he strives to find a way around it. Although he can only use one arm to swim fly, he has been told he "has an advantage." He has discovered that when he keep one arm at his side, he's dead in the water, so he has to rely on his strong dolphin kick to keep him moving.

"I got an idea," is one of his favorite phrases. His motto is, "Do the best with whatever you have."

Paul Hutinger received the Florida LMSC's 2006 Overcoming Adversity Award

 

 

Elmer Luke

(written by his wife, Bonnie)

Elmer Luke, age 76, was diagnosed approximately 12 years ago with the muscle disease, inclusion body myositis, which affects the skeletal muscles. The body's immune system rejects its muscles, much as it does following an organ transplant. To date doctors do not know the cause, nor do they have a cure.

Doctors thought swimming would help slow the disease by giving his muscles some strength and mobility, so he decided at the age of 71 to begin swimming for himself. Mobility became more and more difficult, but Elmer set his goals high. He felt that if he had goals, he was more apt to continue swimming. He entered his first National Championship at Ft. Lauderdale, in 1998. He placed 2nd in two events, and 3rd in 4 events.

The workouts have become more difficult, and yardage per workout has been cut back by orders of of his doctor at the Mayo Clinic. Due to the lack of strength, Elmer concentrates on swimming skills. He continues to enter National Champsionships and place in the top 10.

Elmer knows that there will come a time when he will no longer be able to compete. The enjoyment of Masters swimming will always be remembered. The fine fellowship and new friends make the effort worthwhile, and he continues to enjoy the challenge.

He has said, "When the time comes, I will find out in the water, not on the deck." He will then continue to help his son coach and teach young people the value of the sport of swimming.

 

Don McPhee

In 1998, I began to have serious breathing problems. I was 58 and had been smoking since I was 22, so the reason was easy to figure out. I tried to quit smoking and just when things looked rosy, something would happen and I would start up again. I had gone to the doctor, but I have found that a lot of doctors don't like to use the word emphysema. I knew that was what I had and yet my doctor, at the time, just would not call it what it was. He prescribed inhalers and the like and he told me to quit smoking. I said sure and went on about my business.

One day I remember walking out to the mailbox, approximately 120 feet, when all of a sudden I had to bend over to get some breath. I no longer could walk in the store much, and I felt as though I was waiting to die. I thought about life, my mom and dad who had died, and I knew I had a decision to make. The decision was not hard, because I knew I had things left to do. I had grandchildren I wanted to see grow up, and of course, without me, the Bucs would never get straightened out.

Suddenly, I put out the cigarette I was smoking, laid the pack down, and told one of my sons they could take them in the morning. That was October 1, 2000, and I have never wanted a cigarette since.

I changed doctors and went to see a Dr. Rao in Ocala and without mincing words, he told me I had emphysema. He assured me that he would help. I also had an aortic aneurysm which had to be fixed with open surgery ­ the old fashioned way ­ by The Ocala Heart Institute. They were superb, but I noticed after surgery that breathing was even more difficult.

Dr. Rao explained that the red cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, were greatly reduced due to trauma. We would have to build them up. Doctors like your oxygen level to be at least 95, and mine was only in the mid-eighties. The nurses had a fit and I was put on oxygen to help alleviate the stress on my heart.

A few months after leaving the hospital, I started physical rehabilitation and began walking the treadmill and riding the bike. I didn't feel as if I was progressing quickly enough and some days I even felt as though I was going backward. When I tried to step up the treadmill shortly thereafter, the Pulmonary Therapist came over and said, "You can't do that. Maybe later." Later never came and I began to wonder how I might solve this state of affairs. The change came when I finished the program and had an exit test which was worse than the entrance test.

I had a brilliant idea. Many years ago, in the dark ages, I used to be a swimmer. I competed in the Jr. Olympics, and broke records at Deerfield Academy, and later at Ohio State University. I decided to ask the therapist if I could try swimming. She said no, because the chlorine would be bad for my lungs. I did not give up. I went to Dr. Rao and told him I would like to start swimming again. I could talk to him as a friend, since our kids have bowled together for several years. He was 100 percent behind me and said, "Let's see what you can do."

I had recently had a PFT (to measure lung function) and I wanted to get started. Now to find a team with lap swims for the elderly. I thought, no problem. I live in Summerfield, south of Ocala. I called the CFCC. They had lap swim, but the fee was very high. The "Y" wasn't sure if they were going to have a team. My choice was Orlando or Gainesville. I sent a message to Orlando and got no reply at that time. I then contacted the Gator Swim Club; they replied and were really nice. In the meantime I found a little team, the 300 Club, through Meegan Wilson. She replied right away and was very sincere. I asked how to get there and have been going ever since. Don't get me wrong, Vic and Rene were also nice, but the more I thought, the more I felt a small group like the 300 Club would suit my purpose more, and the Gator team was large. You see, before I started I did not even know if I could swim one lap without stopping for air. All the folks were very supportive and I knew I had made the right choice.

When I met coach Ron Davis, I told him I had more disabilities than would fit on one side of a sheet of paper, so we should just forget about them. I began with very modest goals. Goal number one, swim a lap, rest, then swim back. Sounded good to me. Coach Ron had different ideas when he said, "Don, you can start with a 500 mixed warm-up."

I asked, "Yards??????"

Well, things have continued to progress. In the back of my mind, I was hoping to race sometime next year. Coach had a different idea. Since I started swimming in June, 2002, I have competed twice and won medals in two Florida Senior Games qualifying meets. I must say you would have thought I had set a record or something!

This story is to tell people not to be afraid to go out there and save their lives. With a supportive doctor you can improve your life, and I guess the turning point for me was when I was told 'you can't do that.' To devise a program to improve our quality of life is within the reach of most of us. I did it through swimming.

One final note. About eight weeks after I began swimming I had another PFT and the results showed a 20% increase in lung function.

Don McPhee died February 24, 2003

 

Sue Moucha

Masters swimming has given me the opportunity to stay fit. Having had years of physical therapy growing up, I refuse to let all those years go to waste. Swimming is the ideal situation for me.

Being a very goal oriented person, swimming has enabled me to set goals, see the benchmarks along the way (daily practice sessions), and fulfill my goals (swim meet events). Swimming has given me a concrete purpose for all my training sessions, and swimming has enabled me to say, "I have a Gold Medal and own a World Record" (World Disabled Swimming Championships, New Zealand, 1998 -- 4x50Free Relay). Also, I am a four-time Paralympian with five swimming medals.

One must set a goal, always remain focused on the goal, constantly work towards the goal, and never give up until the goal is obtained.

Swimming has afforded me the opportunity to compete against disabled athletes, and the confidence to take the next step -- compete against able-bodied athletes. I enjoy challenging my potential constantly. Swimming did not come easy to me. I had to change my attitude and start small. I would concentrate on being out in the fresh air. The accessibility to year-round swimming with coaching allows me to constantly work at my stroke efficiency. I am having fun!

Being a very serious minded person, swimming has been the means for me to succeed over the years. To be content with what I have accomplished but not complacent. Swimming has enabled me to move forward in life.

Sue Moucha received the Florida LMSC's 2003 Overcoming Adversity Award

 

Kay Schimpf

In 1976, my rheumatologist insisted I stop working and try to get my lupus under control. By that time, I had been taking prednosone for nine years. My doctor was trying to taper me off that drug. I moved to Florida and heard about Masters swimming. In 1978, I joined SPM with Joe Biondi as my coach.

In 1983, I was able to get off prednasone, a steroid. Prior to joining Masters, all of my joints ached. The more I swam, the better I felt. From taking that steroid, my bones became very brittle. Through the years, I have had many fractures, but have always been able to over come them with physical therapy and getting back in the water. My most serious fracture was my left hip, which required a plate and six pins. I've also fractured my left knee cap and sternum, plus other minor fractures of my left foot and right heel.

In 2000, I entered the World Championships in Munich. I trained too hard and at the last minute, I had to cancel my trip. Fortunately, I haven't had any serious bone problems since 2000.

Right now, my ANA test (lupus) is positive and my Dr. Patterson will check me again in a month.

I have learned I can only walk and swim for exercise. If I do weights or any other form of exercise, I have a great deal of pain. Because of my severe osteoporosis, my doctor does not want to put me back on steroids. I am now taking Bextra, which seems to be helping my present flareup.

My sister died at age 36, with lupus. Here I am, at age 86, hoping to do the hour swim before the end of the month. I attribute my life to swimming and would not be alive, today, had I not joined Masters.

 

~~~~~ a letter from Dr. Paul Hutinger nominating Kay Schimpf for the Florida LMSC Overcoming Adversity Award ~~~~~

Since 1976, Kay Schimpf has been coping with Lupus, a severe rheumatism that can cause death. Her doctor put her on prednasone to control the condition. This medication, which she used for nine years, caused osteoporosis.

Kay started Masters in 1978, which helped her aching body feel better. In 2000, she fractured her hip. It was repaired with a plate and six pins, which cut down on her training. She continued to compete, but not at the high level she had done previously.

Schimpf has attained USMS Top Ten for many years, and also All American status. She has swum on many National Record Relays in the past three years. In October, 2003, she swam on two World Record Relays.

Besides her own physical limitations, she is helping her teammate Alan Maloney get back in the water. Over a year ago, Maloney suffered a stroke. He has regained most of his motor skills, but his speech is deficient. The Mavericks are helping him get back into the water at the Long Center. Kay is one of our swimmers who has taken him to the pool once a week. Every week, she remarks that "Alan has improved. It makes me feel good that I am contributing. I'm thankful that I am able to take someone to the pool, instead of someone having to take me."

Kay Schimpf has not only overcome her own adversities, but is there to help Alan Maloney overcome his.

Kay Schimpf received the Florida LMSC's 2005 Overcoming Adversity Award

Charles Schlegel

I've been involved with swimming for over 61 years. During the early years, I swam at the club level, on the high school team and then as a collegiate swimmer. The last 50 years have been as a swim coach at the high school and club level with a few years at the college level.

It was not until 1996 that I became involved with Masters swimming. A former college teammate introduced me to the Florida Maverick Masters. I am a diabetic and as such, have always had high blood sugar levels. After I started my workout program, I discovered that my blood sugar level was dropping down to a normal range. My doctor took me off of all medication and insulin. I am now diet controlled. Thank you, Masters swimming!

Things were now going fine. My times got better and I was feeling and looking ten years younger than what I actually was. Then, the unexpected happened. I tore my right rotator cuff and had to have surgery. After the operation, I was told to stay out of the water and not do anything that would possibly hurt or injure my arm. After six months of taking it easy, I found myself going to the pool. Now, it was mid-July and warm outside. I took a few strokes and felt great. Two days later, I started a routine of easy swimming. I never felt so great, and began working out at my previous training level. This lasted for two weeks. The pain returned to my shoulder and I went back to see my doctor.

YES, I re-tore my rotator cuff. The doctor wanted nothing to do with me. After all, how can anyone be so stupid? Well, he performed another operation and made me promise NOT to do any swimming for at least eight months, and not before another complete exam. This time, I listened and did everything I was asked to do.

During my long hiatus, I started working with some of the lap swimmers that were interested in improving their strokes and conditioning. Today, some of them are swimming for the Florida Mavericks and another group is preparing to form a new club in Daytona Beach.

I have other medical problems which many my age have. I find that these problems lessen themselves when I return to the pool. Some days I work hard; other days, I can't. But being in the water is great therapy for me. Swimming has been my life and the Masters program has given me life.

 

~~~~~ a letter from Dr. Paul Hutinger nominating Charles Schlegel for the Florida LMSC Overcoming Adversity Award ~~~~~

I have known Charles since he joined the Mavericks, and Masters swimming, in 1996, at age 67. His first Masters meet was LCM Nationals in Orlando, 1997. He was excited about getting back into competition, after a layoff of over 40 years. He earned several medals and was looking forward to increased training and improving his times.

He was very disappointed with his shoulder injury, other health problems and the set back from his surgeries. With a very competitive mind set, it hasn't been easy for him to compete, knowing his times are slower than he is capable of. He is very willing to support his team at our team meets, even though he's swimming for points instead of speed.

I admire his tenacity, perseverance, stick-to-itiveness and positive attitude as he continues to overcome all his adversities. When he couldn't get in the water himself, he was still out on the deck in a coaching capacity, helping others to improve their swimming skills.

 

Ruth Switzer

Super Duck is an inspirational super hero. That's how an ad for the movie or book might read, except it's not a fictional tale. It's a story from real life.

Simple exercise was all Ruth Switzer had on her mind when she began Masters swimming in Sarasota in 1974 at age 66. The previous year she had been diagnosed with an inoperable tumor near her brain and her doctor recommended swimming as an activity that might be helpful.

Encouraged by her teammates, she entered her first meet that year. Two years later she set national Masters records in the 100, 200, 500, and 1650 freestyle events.

"I couldn't believe it," she said. "It was a really exciting thing to happen to me considering I was 68 at the time. When I started swimming with Masters, I almost died after just one lap. After swimming the 1650, I could have kept on going."

And keep on going she did. Ruth won four gold medals in her five events at the USMS Nationals in Ft. Lauderdale in 1977. She earned three first places and five second place finishes in the 75-79 age group at the first International Masters Swimming Championships in Christ Church, New Zealand, in 1984.

But competing wasn't always smooth. After taking a silver medal in the 400 free on the first day of the 1988 World Championships in Australia, Ruth slipped and fell, sustaining an injury that took her out of the rest of the meet. But as always, determination and a love of swimming brought her back to the pool where she continued to establish personal bests in the meets that followed.

A world class person as well as a world-class swimmer, she said her success in the water was due to the encouragement and assistance from her teammates and to her son Allan, swim coach at the University of New Hampshire.

"I love the people I've met," she said. "The 25-year olds are just as nice and helpful as the older ones." The fellowship and socializing that took place at meets were more enjoyable than the competition, according to Ruth, and her only goals were to better her own times and to do her best without thinking about beating anyone else.

There's even a happy ending to the real life story. The brain aneurysm that brought her to swimming disappeared after she began swimming. She credits Masters swimming with literally saving her life.

written by Dick Brewer & Edna Gordon

Ruth Switzer died at age 92 on November 27, 2001

 

Helen Vetter

On December 17, 2003, I underwent my third hip replacement. During my stay in a nursing home, the therapists referred to me as "Duracell-- Keeps on going." Other comments were made such as: "You're an inspiration," " I've never seen anyone with such stamina and endurance," "Stop, Helen, rest!" and "Get out of here. It's time for lunch!"

Each time I heard one of these comments, I attributed it to swimming.

When I moved to Sarasota from Germany in 1999, I had already undergone three major surgeries. It wasn't long before I learned that my two hip replacements had failed and that I would have to have two revisions. Since I was now living in warm, sunny Florida and walking was becoming more and more difficult, I thought that I could perhaps remain somewhat active by participating in an aquatic exercise program. I soon joined the arthritis group at the Arlington Pool.

In no time I spotted the "Big Boys," as I refer to them, in the "Big Pool." Boy! Was I impressed by what I saw! I asked Larry, a lifeguard, if I could do water exercises in one of the lanes. Larry eventually asked me if I had ever swum with goggles. He gave me a pair and I immediately realized that I'd end my dog-paddle days and attempt to at least look 'right.'

Then one day, Edna Gordon, who was swimming in a lane next to me and looking mighty fine, gave me a few swimming tips and encouraged me to pay $3 for a lesson with Dren Geer. She told me that he was a terrific coach and that he could teach anyone. I had never had a swim lesson and I recall during my first lesson how Dren described the gliding sensation I should feel after pushing off from the side of the pool. I not only got the feeling ­ I got hooked!

Swimming has become my salvation. It has kept me healthy, strong, fit and happy. In fact, so healthy, that Blue Cross & Blue Shield would not authorize my stay in a rehabilitation facility after my recent hip surgery.

Finally, there are the wonderful people whom I've met at Arlington ­ everyone from "swim god" Dren, to my " drill sergeant" Milena, to my many cheerleaders who constantly smile, greet and encourage me. They have been among the most influential, inspirational and enjoyable people I've ever met. They all simply make me feel good every single day.

I'm so grateful and happy I've discovered the world of swimming at the Arlington Pool.

Gertrud Zint

In the spring of 1981 (age 64), I joined Masters. I had never competed, and breaststroke was my only stroke. I learned the other three strokes, but I did not like to do free and fly.

I enjoyed my swimming but my left hip became more and more painful. First,I was treated for sciatica pain. Then, the doctor decided I needed a hip replacement. I finally agreed to it in 1997 (age 80). While having the required tests for surgery, the doctors discovered I had diabetes. I was warned by the orthopedic doctor to be very careful with sports, which had always been my free time activity. Breaststroke kick was forbidden. I began swimming again by the end of January, 1998, and first competed again, in March. I tried to learn the flutter kick but my legs just didn't cooperate. So, I went slowly back to my old ways (breaststroke kick). Fly was the hardest comeback.

I am a competitive rower (racing shell). I also started to row again in my rowing shell, which bettered my breathing and arm strength. Before the operation, I sold my racing shell, because I thought I would never again be able to get in and sit in that shell. With all the exercise I was getting from swimming and rowing, I was able to keep my blood sugar under control without the need for insulin.

In December, 1999, I was enjoying downhill skiing in Colorado. Upon landing from one trip up on the t-bar, my lift companion fell out, and took me with him. He got up and said, "Excuse me." and left. I had a broken elbow and took a sled down to the Emergency Room. I flew home New Year's Day and was operated on the next day. I was in the hospital for five and had physical therapy afterwards. I started to swim on January 16. In February. I had surgery to remove the wires and rod from my elbow. The wound healed fast, and soon I was swimming 1000 yards a day. I competed in St. Pete in April and later in Nationals.

Two cataract operations followed. but they didn't keep me out of the water long, either.

I think that my swimming helped me to recover faster than expected. It is also important to have the will to do so. That's it!

 

~~~~~ a letter from Dr. Paul Hutinger nominating Gertrud Zint for the Florida LMSC Overcoming Adversity Award ~~~~~

I have known Gertrud since 1981, when she started competing in Illinois, where I lived. She was a natural breast stroker, but even as a 64 year old, was determined to learn the other strokes. At her first Nationals, 1981 in Canton, OH, she won the three breast events.

In May, 2004, she drove, alone, across Florida to attend the Maverick team awards dinner. She was surprised to receive the Maverick "Outstanding Woman" Award. She signed up for LCM Nationals in August, 2004. Several weeks before the meet, she called me and was very disappointed that her doctor said she couldn't compete, because of her high blood pressure (Zint had only seen the doctor to have her medication changed.).

After Hurricane Charley, same weekend as Nationals, she was up on her trailer roof cleaning off the debris. She told me, "I worked harder climbing up and down the ladder than I would have at the meet." In January, 2005, I told her she was one of three 87 year old women who could establish a new National Record in the 85+ age group, for the One Hour Postal. She just returned from a Christmas vacation to Mexico, developed up a cold, but she didn't use either as an excuse. She swam her hour on January 31st, wearing a leotard to keep her warmer.

Arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes and a hip replacement several years ago have slowed her down in the pool, but her perseverance and exuberant spirit remain intact. Even though her times are much slower than her National and World Records (still holds three National Records in breast from 1993), she is a very supportive team player and has been to almost every team meet, swimming as many events as she can, "for points." Zint's more willing to swim on a relay than some of my much younger swimmers. Instead of aiming for an All American or Top Ten ranking for herself, she's content to help a teammate reach that goal.

Her swimming goal is "To keep on swimming!" She's got moxie! With her zest for life, I have no doubt that she will be swimming up to her last breath, overcoming whatever adversies come her way.