Ageless Wonder Dara Torres

By Guest Blogger Bo Durkop

Although most individuals tend to slow down at when they reach their forties, swimmer Dara Torres, age 41, is still highly competitive. Torres has been making waves long before setting the American record in her event (the 50m) at the 2008 U.S. trials.

In 1982 when she was just 14 years old, Torres broke her first of three world records. Torres is the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympics and has the distinction of being the oldest female swimmer in the history of the Olympic games.

Torres is one of only five women to swim the 50-meter freestyle in less than 24 seconds. As an athlete, Torres has experienced her far share of up times and down.

Torres has had a bone spur shaved out of her shoulder and also had an operation to correct a torn meniscus in her knee. Torres has retired from swimming and come back three times.

Torres’ competitive nature is well documented. It is even reported Torres once gave away her silver medal to an astounded teenager who asked to view the glimmering object. For Torres the only significant hardware worthy of taking home is the gold medal.

Saturday in Beijing, Torres anchored the Women’s 4×100 relay team to a silver medal, recording the second fastest 100 meter time in the entire field. If history is to repeat itself, there may be another inquisitive teenager taking home Torres’ silver medal.

Photo credit: Newscom