Betty Brussel, who is 99 years old, may take longer to finish swimming and climbing out of the pool compared to an Olympic athlete who could have completed the same distance three times over. However, her unwavering determination has enabled her to break world records and gain unexpected fame among amateur swimmers.
During a swimming competition in Saanich, British Columbia, Brussel set a new world record in the 400-meter freestyle event. She surpassed the previous record in the 100-104 age category by almost four minutes. On the same day, she also achieved record-breaking times in the 50-meter backstroke and 50-meter breaststroke events.
While I am participating in a race, my mind is completely focused on the task at hand. I do not allow any other thoughts to distract me. Instead, I simply keep track of the laps I have completed, ensuring that I am aware of how many remain. It is essential to maintain a steady pace throughout the race, as these intense competitions demand a lot from the body. When I reach the final lap, I push myself to my absolute limit.
In 1924, Brussel was born in Holland and along with her siblings, she acquired swimming skills in the canals near Amsterdam. In 1959, she and her husband Gerrit relocated to Canada and made their home near Grand Forks, where they raised three children. Brussel’s passion for competitive swimming began in her mid-sixties when she participated in the British Columbia Senior Games. She admitted, “I was completely clueless, but I was instantly captivated.”
“I derive great pleasure from swimming. The sensation of effortlessly moving through the water brings me immense joy.” Despite not being 100 years old yet, the age category in swimming is determined by the competitors’ birth year. As a result, Brussel will be competing in the 100 to 104 age category for the remainder of the year.
Throughout the years, she has stuck to a regular training routine at the swimming pool – twice a week, without any specific exercises. “I must admit, I tend to be a bit lazy.” In addition, she has earned numerous medals that are too heavy for her to lift.
According to Linda Stanley Wilson, the president of the White Rock Wave Swim Club, swimmers tend to peak in their mid to late 20s. Brussel, who has been a member of the club for five years, is described by Wilson as their biggest supporter.
“At the collegiate level, individuals typically engage in twice-a-day training sessions with financial support through grants to cover tuition costs. Coaches also ensure that they are not enrolled in challenging courses and have a weight training regimen,” stated Stanley Wilson, a kinesiology doctorate holder. Meanwhile, Brussel believes her peak swimming performance was during her 80s.
I do not focus on breaking records, I simply swim and give my best effort. If I happen to set a record, that’s great. Winning also brings me joy, but ultimately, having a good time is what makes me happiest.
Because there is a small number of swimmers in her age category, Brussel can usually expect to break records every time she competes in a pool. In certain events, she is the first person in her age group to even attempt the distance, automatically setting a global benchmark by completing the race.
Stanley Wilson, one of the coaches at the club, shares that Brussel’s boundless energy has become a source of motivation for other members. During races, families often request to take photos with her. She has also caught the attention of filmmakers, with Hannah Walsh and Emma Puchniak shadowing her for a documentary set to be released later this year.
Stanley Wilson stated, “Betty possesses the most sparkling blue eyes and radiant smile. She has a great sense of humor and loves to talk.” When it comes to coaching, I mainly focus on ensuring that she is not performing any movements that could be detrimental to her biomechanics or put her at risk for injury. However, there is also a lot of paperwork involved in keeping track of world records, which I am responsible for completing.”
Brussel, who resides by herself, is careful not to attribute her good health and physical abilities to just one activity. She enjoys reading and engaging in activities such as puzzles, cryptograms, embroidery, cross-stitch, and knitting.
There are moments when I perceive myself as being elderly. My youngest child, who is 70, once stated, “Mom, you’re old!” However, I don’t truly feel old except for when I am extremely exhausted. Most of the time, I don’t feel old at all.
After the passing of her husband Gerrit a few years ago, the pool has been a consistent presence for Brussel.
“I constantly find myself returning to swimming, no matter what happens. It helps me escape my worries and makes me feel better,” she shared. “I’m naturally a shy person, but being in the water gives me confidence. I’m still adjusting to the attention, but as I continue to break records, I’m also starting to feel proud of my accomplishments.”
Source: theguardian.com
