After completing her swim and climbing out of the pool, Betty Brussel may feel exhausted. However, an Olympic athlete could have swum the same distance at least three times in the time it took her. Despite this, the 99-year-old Canadian’s unwavering determination has helped her break world records and gain unexpected popularity among fellow amateur swimmers.
During a swim competition over the weekend in Saanich, British Columbia, Brussel achieved a new world record in the 400-meter freestyle event, surpassing the previous standard in the 100 to 104-year-old age category by almost four minutes. She also set records in the 50-meter backstroke and 50-meter breaststroke on the same day.
While participating in races, I am completely focused and do not let any thoughts distract me. My main focus is on keeping track of the laps I have completed and those remaining. I aim to maintain a steady pace throughout the race as it is physically demanding. And on the final lap, I put all my energy into giving my best performance.
Brussel, born in 1924 in Holland, and her siblings acquired swimming skills in the canals close to Amsterdam. In 1959, she and her husband Gerrit relocated to Canada, establishing their home near the town of Grand Forks, where they raised three children. Brussel developed a passion for competitive swimming in her sixties, participating in the British Columbia Senior Games. She admitted, “I was clueless about it,” but she became addicted to it.
I have a great passion for swimming. The sensation of effortlessly moving through the water brings me immense joy. Despite not being 100 years old, the age categories for swimming competitions are determined by birth year, and Brussel will compete in the 100 to 104 category for the remainder of the year.
Throughout the years, she has adhered to a regular training schedule at the pool – twice a week, without any specific exercises. “What can I say? I’m not very motivated.” Additionally, she has earned numerous medals that are too heavy for her to lift.
According to Linda Stanley Wilson, the president of the White Rock Wave Swim Club, swimmers tend to be at their peak strength during their mid to late 20s. Brussel, who has been a member of the club for five years, is described as Wilson’s biggest supporter.
According to Stanley Wilson, who has a PhD in kinesiology, college athletes typically have a rigorous schedule of two workouts per day. They also receive financial aid to cover their classes and their coaches monitor their academic workload to ensure they are not taking difficult courses. Additionally, they are expected to participate in a weight training program. On the other hand, Brussel believes that she performed her best in swimming during her 80s.
I don’t focus on breaking records, I simply swim and give my best effort. If I happen to break a record, that’s great. Winning makes me happy, but having a good time makes me even happier.
Due to the small number of swimmers in her age category, Brussel consistently breaks records whenever she competes in the pool. In certain races, she is the first person in her age group to ever complete the distance, automatically setting a world record.
Stanley Wilson, a coach at the club, mentions that Brussel’s boundless energy has served as a source of motivation for other members. During races, families often come up to her and request to take a photo together. Additionally, she has caught the attention of filmmakers Hannah Walsh and Emma Puchniak, who have been following her for a documentary set to be released later this year.
“Stanley Wilson described Betty as having sparkling blue eyes and a wide smile. He also noted that she is a humorous chatterbox. As her coach, his main focus is to ensure she is not doing anything that could harm her biomechanics or cause injury. He also mentioned the administrative tasks involved in keeping track of world records and filling out paperwork.”
Brussel, who lives alone, is cautious to attribute a single activity to her excellent health and mobility. An avid reader, she does puzzles and cryptograms, as well as embroidery, cross-stitch and knitting.
“I occasionally experience feelings of aging. Recently, my youngest, who is 70, remarked ‘Mom, you’re old!’ However, I don’t truly feel old – only when I’m extremely tired. Otherwise, I feel youthful.”
Following the passing of her husband Gerrit a couple of years ago, the pool has been a consistent source of comfort for Brussel.
“I always find myself returning to swimming, no matter what happens. It’s my escape from all my worries and always makes me feel better,” she explained. “I’m naturally a bit reserved, but being in the water gives me confidence. It’s still taking some getting used to all the attention, but achieving these records is making me feel proud of myself.”
Source: theguardian.com
