I don't know if you follow Olympic swimming or not, but this year I'm intrigued by 41 year old Beijing-bound Dana Torres. Typically I only follow (hot-bodied) Men's swimming, but Dana Torres has inspired me!
Did I mention that she's 41!? That certainly isn't old by any stretch of the imagination, but she is competing against people half her age…and BEATING them.
I'm not sure I could even beat a child a quarter my age in a swim race.
She is also a mother of a toddler (which could explain her continued athletic prowess!). Watching her swim and knowing she's only a few years older than me and a mother, it makes me feel like "hey! I could exercise and get fit!"
Growing up, I was never into team sports, but I enjoyed competitive swimming. I liked that no balls were thrown at me that I was expected to catch, I wasn't criticized for throwing like a girl, and an entire game didn't rest on whether I hit the ball. With swimming, success was measured by my own, individual achievements. Sure I had to swim in a race against someone, but I was also trying to beat a previous time I'd set.
I've been considering joining a fitness center, especially one with a pool. Realistically, I'm not looking to make the next Olympics, but I think that swimming is something I could stick with since I already know I enjoy it.
Thanks Dana Torres for the inspiration! Good luck in Beijing!
[photo source: SI.com]
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Her name is DARA, not DANA. And, yes, she is an inspiration.
I definitely think watching someone in your same place in life that succeeds is the way to go. That's why I'm hoping you kick ass so I can, too.
Her name is Data, not Dara.