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!
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!
No, was referring to another swimmer having an old style BR. Rick has a very good looking stroke as well as being unbelievably fast, although I must say, I rarely get to see it. if I am having a really good swim and it is a short race i may see his feet.
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Yes, Lynn Colella won a silver in the 200 fly in 1972 (Karen Moe won the gold). More on Rick and Lynn. I was wrong Rick swam 200 meter breaststroke in both Olympics, 1972 1nd 1976.
This man could make a fortune by endorsing all those icky looking senior drinks like Ensure and Boost! ...maybe that's his secret? ...aside from breaking out the proverbial whoop ass.
....We don't even have high school kids at the local pool who could do some of his times!!
Favorite memory of Riverside nationals. I was in the locker room, and this guy was talking to another guy (Colella) about how their meets were going. At the end, the one guy says to Colella, "What age group are you in?" Colella: "65-69." Other guy: "Bad luck, you have to swim against Colella." Colella: "I am Colella."
I'd suspect anyone who is a former Olympian has got to have "talent." There is no reason that someone who was of Rick's caliber in his 20s is not going to be world class in his age group when they are 65. I noticed where Rowdy did a short course 51+ 100-meter a few years back, and then more recently, he went like 1 minute. So training makes all the difference (unless he was just totally mailing it in in the 1 minute swim). But anyway, the 51 is just sick for someone who is mid/late 50s.
