Is there swimming after the age of fifty?

I'm over 50 and I write on this group sometimes. I once swam all the way to France from England because I love swimming so much. So I hope you won't mind if I swim in competitions. We all love swimming and that is the most important thing don't you agree? I think its' cool that you found the USMS discussion forum all the way from France. And I bet you make a few nice swim buddies here. Write some more and tell us what is happening with masters swimming in France! Oh - and by the way... my given name is SUZZETTE! How much more French can you get?

Well, at 61 & 62 , I won high piont trophy in my age group at state in Illinois. This year @ 63 - I was only 3rd!

Belle, welcome to the Forums. While there is considerable traffic concerning competition, this is first and foremost a forum about swimming in all it's shapes, sizes and yes, speeds. In the end it doesn't matter how fast you swim just that you keep swimming. But if you're going to swim (and is that really a choice???? :) ), there is a LOT of information here about how to go about swimming faster and more efficiently. happy laps to you.

Regrettably, one of the best swimmers in USMS just turned 50.

I'm 58 and a slower swimmer than those who say they're slow. :) (I felt it a triumph just to break 2 mins. in the 100 free.) :cane: Yet I still enjoy competing... with myself mainly, even while racing with others. I have tried a variety of events, including a Senior Games 100 IM. (I WILL NOT tell you my time for that, but let's just say it was ... an interesting experience.) My longest race was a 5.25 mile open water swim two years ago, which gave me the rather frightening revelation that I could get into this long distance open water swimming... although I've got much to learn in that department, and I'm just in awe of Ahelee Sue Osborn's English Channel swim! Once a few years ago, when I was running at my local track, I was talking with a younger woman. I don't know how this comment came up in the conversation, but she said, "you look good for your age." "How old do you think I am?" I asked her. She studied me a moment and then said uncertainly, "um... like 30?" Flattery will get you everywhere. :D

Welcome Belle Vie! I am 53 and I really enjoy the usms forums and blogs! I have learned alot here, and even made some on-line friends who I later met in person at long course nationals! :) The really cool thing is that age and swimming speed doesn't seem to be an issue. This is just a fun place to talk the talk, share, and rub elbows (on-line at least) with people you might otherwise never get to know. Enjoy my friend! :agree:

During practice one day last year, I was discussing age groups with one of my teammates, a woman in her early forties. She asked how old I was, and when I told her I was 50, her response was, "Good for you!" So much for the theory that 50 is the new 30. Amazing that I am able to get to and from the pool without assistance. Well, based on that hardbodied pic, I would have been surprised you were fifty! People who squint just right and view my gray hair as blond streaks might think I'm younger than my age. :D

I've always liked French fries and French toast. Oh, there is that kissing thing too.

Welcome, Elizabeth! There are many of us here a good deal over fifty, and swim for as many reasons as you can think. Most will courteously answer any type of question and we are always up for go--- (er, news) about other swimmers. One branch of my family (Ferree) is Hugenot. They emigrated to South Central Pennsylvania sometime around 1600. One of the most interesting pools I ever visited was a very old facility in Strabourg, that had separate pools for men and women (swim suits optional). This was in 1980, so it may not even be there anymore. Look forward to hearing from you often!

During practice one day last year, I was discussing age groups with one of my teammates, a woman in her early forties. She asked how old I was, and when I told her I was 50, her response was, "Good for you!" So much for the theory that 50 is the new 30. Amazing that I am able to get to and from the pool without assistance. Yes, I can remember that problem we had getting you into the TRY pool! Maybe Bevo can be enlisted to help you out now.