I have been checking times in the Nationals and, naturally, check my age group 65-69. Anyone notice what's happening there? Rick Colella is completely obliterating national records. Here's a few: 200 IM 2:03. 63; 100 IM 57.45; 100 *** 1:02.75. Let this sink in. He broke the 200 IM record by 13 seconds, the 100 IM by 3, the 100 *** by 5. )remains? perhaps the 400 IM this morning....the 200 fly? Look, whatever this dude wants to swim, he will win and set a new national record. It's like that. It should be said: Rick Colella is now the best Masters swimmer in the world. Period. These times are freakishly fast especially when you consider his age, SIXTY FIVE! They are incredibly fast times for people 15 years younger.
The thing is, from my brief encounters with Rick, he is an affable and easy going guy and a few years ago he was not close to this good. This is what happens when someone with an incredible amount of talent decides to bear down and focus. Sure, at our age (I am also 65), this includes some luck with health, relationships, and all the rest. But what Colella is doing in the water RIGHT NOW should be recognized as maybe the most impressive Masters swims ever done (and I am aware of the incredible swims by Rich Abrahams, Laura Val, Jim McConica and other great Masters swimmers). In my opinion Colella takes the crown. I am hoping he continues obliterating the record book!
I certainly agree that what Rick is doing is amazing. I thought his 60 year old times were crazy. Now he's doing those same times at 65. I'm still a pretty big fan of Rich's accomplishments, but that takes nothing away from what Rick is doing now.
I would love to see an in depth profile of Rick. How is he training? What is he working on with his stroke technique? Weight regimen? Nutrition? Inquiring minds want to know. Or, at least I do.
Rick is an incredible talent. He is doing times that I marvel at.He evidently is more focused on swimming than he has been for the last several years. There was a time a few years ago where I thought "he's slowing down a little, maybe is another 20 years I'll have a chance against him," but he has gotten faster the last couple of years,yikes. Unfortunately, he is such a truly nice guy that I can't even resent him,just be in awe.
Rick is amazing and I agree he is humble and just an all around good guy. He retired from Boeing maybe two years ago and since then he's really taken off (:)). Here's an interesting Colella fact. When Nationals are on the west coast he drives his Tesla to the meet from Seattle. :)
I couldn't agree more. But the best thing about Rick is that he lets his swimming do the talking. Never a self promoter. So humble and kind. I too am in awe of him.
a few years ago he was not close to this good. ] I saw him break a World Record at 2014 USMS Summer Nationals in Maryland; so he may not have been THIS good, but he was as amazing in 2014 as he has always been. :bow:
I, too, would love to read a complete profile on Rick, and, hey, while we're at it, how about an update on Laura Val?! :cheerleader:
a few years ago he was not close to this good. ] I saw him break a World Record at 2014 USMS Summer Nationals in Maryland; so he may not have been THIS good, but he was as amazing in 2014 as he has always been. :bow:
I, too, would love to read a complete profile on Rick, and, hey, while we're at it, how about an update on Laura Val?! :cheerleader:[/QUOE,
All I know he was a world class breaststoker as a young man and went to both the 1972 and 1976 Olympics I believe. He was in the 400 Im I think in the second one and his sister Lynn swam 200 meter butterfly in the 1972 olympics.
He had amazing swims and not just Br - the 1&2IM, and 2Fr too - he was splitting 27-28s.
I think Allen Stark indicated a few years back that Rick still swims a very fast traditional "old school" Br and posted a video from one of the national meets. I wonder if in retirement he has modified his Br or kept his traditional stroke and kick? Seems like he is getting older but faster. The man!
All I know he was a world class breaststoker as a young man and went to both the 1972 and 1976 Olympics I believe. He was in the 400 Im I think in the second one and his sister Lynn swam 200 meter butterfly in the 1972 olympics.
Yes, Lynn Colella won a silver in the 200 fly in 1972 (Karen Moe won the gold).
