oldest olympic medallist

Started at 18, made the team at 23. I was going to go for four more years as I was injured at the games, but everyone told me I was being greedy to try for two games.

Lots of great swimmers start late and in particular Bill Yorzyk www.usms.org/.../yzk33kd.htm He started late but retired early. George Park www.swimdownhill.com

Originally posted by geochuck Lots of great swimmers start late and in particular Bill Yorzyk www.usms.org/.../yzk33kd.htm He started late but retired early. George Park www.swimdownhill.com George, this article is very impressive and encouraging.Although 16 is not as bad as my 24 but we'll see ...:-)I always invested all of myself into anything I ever did, at least I do not lack the drive...Hopefully I won't lack the skill in a few years, lol

I think anything is possible if all the circumstances are right. Go for it man!

Originally posted by hooked-on-swimming George, this article is very impressive and encouraging.Although 16 is not as bad as my 24 but we'll see ...:-)I always invested all of myself into anything I ever did, at least I do not lack the drive...Hopefully I won't lack the skill in a few years, lol I had a friend who had learned to swim by himself, no formal training. When he was 32 we worked together for six months swimming in a river. He had never raced before and I would say when we started he was next thing to a beginner. He started swimming marathon swims that year and we partnered in the La Tuque 24 hour marathon swim. We finished 4th and he swam with the top marathon swimmers in the world and was able to compete with them. George

I've been thinking the same thing. I mean I'm only 18, if I train really hard for the next 4 years I'll only be 22 which is still young enough to compete. Alexander Popov was like 33 this past Olympics and he was still a force not be toyed with. I think that if you have your heart in the right place, and really stick to it that you can do anything you want, no matter what age you started swimming. It's all about how much effort you are willing to put in to be the best. So I think you can do it!! ~Kyra p.s. It's nice to know that other people are thinking the same things and that I'm not being a complete idiot for wanting to start now. So thanx for being so bold and giving me the jolt I needed to do what I really wanted!!

Are you suggesting that the early bloomer notion might not be accurate? This is a very dangerous topic historically on this forum. Next thing you know we'll have to talk about V02Max.

Gail, That's quite an outstanding career you've had. Hall of Fame induction is the ultimate honor. Hats off to you. Keep on swimming.

Originally posted by Seagurl51 I've been thinking the same thing. I mean I'm only 18, if I train really hard for the next 4 years I'll only be 22 which is still young enough to compete. Alexander Popov was like 33 this past Olympics and he was still a force not be toyed with. I think that if you have your heart in the right place, and really stick to it that you can do anything you want, no matter what age you started swimming. It's all about how much effort you are willing to put in to be the best. So I think you can do it!! ~Kyra p.s. It's nice to know that other people are thinking the same things and that I'm not being a complete idiot for wanting to start now. So thanx for being so bold and giving me the jolt I needed to do what I really wanted!! I think you have a lot in front of you, I wish I was 18, although 24 ain't super old either ... I hope.Thanks for the compliment to Alexander Popov ... that's right :-))) I am originally Russian, too.So maybe I will be another Popov at 33, lol.Just kidding, but you never know.And I am happy I see support from people here.I am sure you will succeed, Kyra, 'cause I believe one needs huge love for that sport and you have enough... you could probably spare some , lol.

Hey, Kyra, you sound like a very persistent girl, too.Keep it up!People like that get what they go for ... .... Maybe some day we'll bump into each other at some meet, lol..That'd be funny!