“Proud Of Myself.” This 99-Yr-Old Swimmer Broke Three World Records!

A 99-year-old named Betty Brussel just proved that age means nothing by breaking three amateur swimming world records.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, Betty Brussels headed into the Victoria Masters Swim Club Meet at the Commonwealth Pool in Saanich, British Columbia, and beat the reigning champions in the 50-meter backstroke, 50-meter breaststroke, and 400-meter freestyle in the 100 to 104-year-old age category.

“I love being in a pool and gliding through the water,” Betty told the Globe and Mail. “I feel better when I get out than when I go in. Swimming is my love. It makes me forget all of my worries and I feel great.”

Betty Brussel didn’t get into competitive swimming until she was in her 60s, and this was the first time she was able to reach such a feat. She was able to break the records despite relying on a pacemaker she recieved after suffering a heart attack in her 70s.

Betty completed her 50-meter backstroke in 1:24.91, which was almost five seconds faster than the previous record. She surpassed the formerly standing 400-meter freestyle record of 16:36.80 by completing hers in 12:50.03. Betty set the first record for the 50-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:56.22.

“I was surprised by my own swims yesterday,” Betty said. “I gave it my all; I never give up. It was wonderful. It was like being in a movie. I was totally overwhelmed by everybody’s support.”

“I like to win, but records have never been the most important thing to me,” she continued. “If somebody else wins, I am happy for them.”

Even though Betty Brussels only just marked her achievements, award-winning filmmakers Hannah Walsh and Emma Puchniak are already talking about a possible documentary that could be released in about a year.

“I live life every day and enjoy it,” Betty told the publication. “I feel very fortunate to do what I do.”

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.