93-Year-Old Swimmer Continues to Shine
Mary Vowell, a 93-year-old swimmer from Martin, Tennessee, has an impressive collection of over 300 medals and holds a national record. She began her swimming journey in the fifth grade, but her competitive spirit ignited in 1999 when she joined the Senior Olympics. Vowell has achieved remarkable success, including breaking the national record for the 50-yard freestyle in her age group at the 2009 National Senior Games, clocking in at 59.07 seconds. Recently, she added to her accolades by winning multiple medals at events in Albuquerque and Brentwood, all while recovering from heart surgery earlier this year. Vowell emphasizes the importance of having goals and staying active, encouraging others to "get up out of that chair and get to the pool." As she prepares for upcoming competitions, including regional qualifiers and state championships, she trains regularly with her coach, Frank Leach. Vowell's dedication to swimming at such an advanced age serves as an inspiration to many.
