Check out the impressive feat of 99-year-old Canadian swimmer Betty Brussel as she breaks three world records
Meet Betty Brussel: Earlier this year, this amazing Canadian swimmer did something incredible. At 99 years old, she broke three world records in just one day! And guess what? In July 2024, she’s turning 100!
Betty Brussel, the 99-year-old Canadian swimmer, did something truly remarkable this year. On January 20, she made history by breaking three world records in one day. First, she smashed the world record in the 400-meter freestyle swim for her age group (100-104 years old). She beat the previous time by almost four minutes! Then, she went on to break records in the 50-meter backstroke and the 50-meter breaststroke on the same day.
Born in Holland in 1924, Betty didn’t have many opportunities to do sports when she was young because of World War II. But after she retired, she started swimming in her 60s. She said, “I always try to find a pace that I can sustain — you’re asking a lot from your body in these races. And on the last lap, well, I give it everything I have.” Her secret to success? She focuses only on swimming when she’s in a race. “When I’m racing, I don’t think about anything. Nothing. I just count the laps,” she told The Guardian.
Betty Brussel’s journey to swimming success started in Amsterdam, where she used to swim in the canals with her siblings. But during World War II, they couldn’t do many fun activities. At 14, Betty had to leave school to help take care of her 11 siblings. Later, she moved to Canada with her husband and had three children. She worked hard, cleaning houses and sewing clothes. But when she retired in her 60s, she found time to swim.
Betty started swimming at least twice a week and fell in love with it. “I really enjoy swimming. I’d love the feeling of gliding through the water, and it just makes me feel very good,” she said. Soon, she started swimming competitively.
Her coach, Stanley Wilson, says Betty is almost unstoppable at 99! Her energy inspires everyone around her. Even though she lost her husband a few years ago, swimming brings her comfort. “Whatever happened to me, I always go back to swimming. I always feel better when I get to forget all my worries,” she says.
Betty Brussel’s story shows that age is just a number, and you’re never too old to follow your passions and achieve your dreams.
Repurposed article originally published in She the people
