Betty Brussel, a 99-year-old Canadian woman, has made a remarkable splash in the world of amateur swimming by breaking three world records. Ms. Brussel achieved this incredible feat at the Victoria Masters Swim Club Meet held at the Commonwealth Pool in Saanich, British Columbia. Her record-breaking victories came in the 400-metre freestyle, 50-metre backstroke, and 50-metre breaststroke, all in the 100 to 104-year-old age category.
Despite her age and the challenges she has faced, including wearing a hearing aid and having a pacemaker due to a heart attack 25 years ago, Ms. Brussel lives independently and continues to drive herself to swim twice a week. She expresses a deep love for the water, describing how swimming makes her feel better and allows her to forget about her worries.
Ms. Brussel only began competitive swimming in her mid-sixties, making her accomplishments even more impressive. Her record-breaking wins have not only brought her personal joy but have also inspired members of her local club, the White Rock Wave Swim Club. Those who have had the honor of coaching her speak of her boundless energy, twinkly blue eyes, and warm smile.
During the recent swim meet, Ms. Brussel completed the 400-metre freestyle in an astonishing 12 minutes and 50.3 seconds, surpassing the previous record in her age category of 16:36.80. In the 50-metre backstroke, she shattered the existing record by nearly five seconds, achieving a time of 1:24.91. What makes her achievement in the 50-metre breaststroke even more remarkable is that there was no previous record in her class, making her the first to set the benchmark.
Ms. Brussel’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, with filmmakers Hannah Walsh and Emma Puchniak documenting her journey for an upcoming documentary. She has become a role model for living life to the fullest and never giving up, even as she approaches her centenary. It is clear that she cherishes every day, embracing the joy and freedom that swimming brings her.
In the midst of all the attention and accolades, Ms. Brussel remains humble, emphasizing that winning has never been the most important thing to her. Instead, she finds happiness in seeing others succeed. She exudes a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the life she leads, one that is filled with the love of her family and the fulfillment she finds in the water.
With her infectious smile and unwavering determination, Betty Brussel has broken barriers and defied expectations. Her story serves as an inspiration to people of all ages, reminding us that passion and perseverance know no limits. As she continues to make a splash in the world of swimming, we eagerly await the release of the documentary that will undoubtedly capture the spirit and remarkable achievements of this incredible 99-year-old swimmer.
