George Corones proves that just because you’re pushing triple digits doesn’t mean you can’t chase down world records.
The 100-year-old swimmer from Australia set two new world records in his age group in February and March, when he was 99 years old, etching his name into the history books and impressing folks all around the world.
The first record came in Queensland, where he swam the 50m freestyle in 56.12 seconds, which beat the previous mark by 35 seconds.
“It was an exemplary swim for me, well balanced… and I was ready to hit the [wall] at the end very hard with my hand,” he told the BBC.
The second world record came just a week later when he swam the 100m freestyle in two-and-half minutes at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.
According to The Guardian, Corones swam in his youth, but quit at the beginning of World War II. He didn’t resume swimming until he was 80 and looking for a way to stay healthy.
“I was a little concerned beforehand because I’ve only just come up from a break away from swimming,” he said. “I wasn’t quite at the top but I was well enough.
“It wasn’t a great hurdle to beat, but it had to be done. Somehow, by someone. We’re on unbroken ground, put it that way. These current figures are waiting for the attack from the burgeoning number of masters swimmers – ladies and men – who are waiting to see what can be done. They will surmount it, that’s how it goes.”
Corones isn’t just in it to break world records. He thoroughly enjoys the sport and soaks up its benefits, too.
“Swimming is the only activity that the human can indulge in that is gravity free…In the water you’re weightless,” he said. “While you’re there, you can use all the muscles in your body, your sinews and elastic tissues, without that extra weight that’s on you. In the water it’s just yourself and no weight at all.”
And at 100, that must feel pretty good.
