Betty Brussel, a 99-year-old swimmer from Canada, has amazed the world by breaking three world records in one day at a swim meet in Saanich, British Columbia. Brussel competed in the 100- to 104-year-old age class and smashed the previous records in the 400-metre freestyle, 50-metre backstroke, and 50-metre breaststroke events.
Brussel was born in Holland in 1924 and learned to swim in the canals near Amsterdam with her siblings. She moved to Canada in 1959 with her husband Gerrit and settled outside the town of Grand Forks, where they raised three children. She started to take interest in competitive swimming in her mid-sixties, when she participated in the British Columbia Senior Games. She said she had no idea what she was doing at first, but she was hooked. “I really enjoy swimming. I love the feeling of gliding through the water and it just makes me feel very good,” she said.
Brussel has been swimming regularly ever since, training twice a week at the pool with no drills. She said she is a bit lazy and does not follow any special diet or routine. She has also accumulated a pile of medals too heavy for her to lift. She said she does not care much about the records or the awards, but rather about the joy of swimming and the camaraderie with her fellow swimmers.
A remarkable feat of endurance and determination
On Saturday, January 20, 2024, Brussel took part in a swim meet at the Saanich Commonwealth Place, where she faced no other competitors in her age category. She had to swim alone in her lane, but she was cheered on by the spectators and the other swimmers. She said she does not think about anything when she is racing, except for counting the laps and finding a pace that she 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,” she said.
She completed the 400-metre freestyle in 24 minutes and 19 seconds, beating the previous world record by nearly four minutes. She then went on to break the records in the 50-metre backstroke (1 minute and 45 seconds) and the 50-metre breaststroke (2 minutes and 16 seconds). Her times were verified by the Masters Swimming Association of British Columbia and will be submitted to the FINA, the international governing body of swimming, for official recognition.
An inspiration for many
Brussel’s remarkable performance has earned her praise and admiration from many people, including her fellow swimmers, her coaches, and her family. Linda Stanley Wilson, the president of the White Rock Wave Swim Club, which Brussel joined five years ago, said she is Brussel’s biggest cheerleader and a huge fan. She said Brussel is an inspiration for everyone, especially for older adults who want to stay active and healthy. “She shows that age is just a number and that you can do anything you set your mind to. She is a living proof that swimming is a sport for life,” she said.
Brussel’s daughter, Anne-Marie, who was present at the swim meet, said she is very proud of her mother and her achievements. She said her mother has always been a positive and adventurous person, who loves to travel, read, knit, and play games. She said her mother has a strong spirit and a zest for life that keeps her going. “She is amazing. She is always smiling and laughing. She is very humble and modest. She doesn’t realize how incredible she is,” she said.
Brussel said she is grateful for all the support and encouragement she has received from her family, friends, and the swimming community. She said she plans to continue swimming as long as she can and hopes to celebrate her 100th birthday in the pool. She said she has no secrets or tips for longevity, except for enjoying life and having fun. “I just swim. I just do the best I can. And if it’s a record, fine. If I win, I’m happy to win. But if I have a good time, I’m happier,” she said.
