U.S. Masters Swimming

A new WORLD RECORD at 80!

Congrats to Bev Montrella for her incredible 28:35.86 in the 1500 LCM freestyle. She’s now the oldest woman to break 29 minutes in the race, and also set the USMS record in the 400 LCM freestyle at the same meet.

She says she couldn’t have done it without her teammates.

"Find a team," Bev says. "A group of people who accept and support you and make you smile. I love my team! Without their support, I would not be where I am today.”

Help us congratulate Bev in the comments!

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1 day ago | [YT] | 55

U.S. Masters Swimming

What practice habit has improved your times?

4 days ago | [YT] | 15

U.S. Masters Swimming

What’s the hardest event?

1 week ago | [YT] | 33

U.S. Masters Swimming

Congrats to Collette Sappey, 61, on her first AQUA Masters world record!

The Rocky Mountain Regional Masters member went a 28.12 in the 50 SCM freestyle to break the previous record by one one-hundredth of a second. That was also the same margin she broke her first USMS record by a year earlier.

Collette credits embracing a “less is more” mindset, focusing on events that bring her pure joy, and leaning on her training partners who prioritize laughter and rest for helping her set her records.

We can’t wait to see what you do next!

1 week ago | [YT] | 66

U.S. Masters Swimming

Caption this 📸

1 week ago | [YT] | 16

U.S. Masters Swimming

Sometimes all it takes is saying yes to one challenge.

When Abhay Ambadkar, 46, joined the Tualatin Hills Barracudas, he was looking to build the swimming skills needed for a triathlon. Less than a year later, he decided to take on a two-mile relay fundraiser, which required him to swim 9 x 100s.

Not only did he complete it, but he enjoyed it enough to come back the following year and improve his pace. Now, Abhay continues to tackle monthly challenges as he works toward longer triathlon distances and new goals in the water.

Way to go, Abhay!

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1 month ago | [YT] | 59

U.S. Masters Swimming

Congrats to Andrew Smidt on his first Masters race!

Smidt, 35, finally stepped away from the TRISWIM booth at Spring Nationals to swim the 50 freestyle, the first time he’s gone off the blocks. ”It was one of the most terrifying things I’d done in a long time,” he says. The experience gave him a chance to show his daughter, Dottie, what it looks like to stay active and challenge yourself.

His goal now is to fix his dive so his goggles stay on and drop some time. We can’t wait to see you at Spring Nationals next year!

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1 month ago | [YT] | 36

U.S. Masters Swimming

Congrats to Eric Gerlach, 28, on his national championship!

The Buckeye Swimming Masters Team member set a personal best with a 4:38.91 to win the 400 LCM free at Summer Nationals. It was the first time he’d swum that race in 14 years and his first time competing outdoors.

”It felt good,” he says. “It was a lot of fun.”

Making the meet even more special was his dad, Fritz, also competing alongside him. With a family history of heart issues, the two swim to stay healthy and motivate each other.

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1 month ago | [YT] | 52

U.S. Masters Swimming

Caption this 🥶

1 month ago | [YT] | 59

U.S. Masters Swimming

Doug Springer, 79, just put on a RECORD-BREAKING sweep!

The SaddleBrooke Masters member set USMS records in the 50, 100, and 200 LCM breaststroke and an AQUA Masters world record in the 50 all in one meet.

50 breast: 41.62
100 breast: 1:35.10
200 breast: 3:32.09

”No matter what your age or skill level, each of us needs to remember that swimming is a lifelong activity that keeps your mind and body sharp,” he says. “Keep swimming!”

(Note: His records are in the 80-84 age group because ages for meters meets are determined by a person’s age at the end of the year.)

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1 month ago | [YT] | 47