Dan, I'm glad you sent this message because I was thinking the EXACT same thoughts while watching the trials. Of all the athletes I'm pulling for in Bejing, Dara is the one I'll be cheering the loudest for because she's truly "one of us!"
Go Masters!
Mike - age 40
Original Message:
I can't help but be inspired by Dara Torres this past week. At 41 years young, she is going to Beijing to compete in her 5th Olympic Games! There are some funny stats out there re: Dara like:
1. In 2000 at the Syndey Games, she was the oldest member of the US Swim Team. The was 8 years ago!
2. She has Olympic medals from games before Michael Phelps was born!
Here is a link to a recent article about her acheivements!
http://www.bangkokpost.com/sportsplus/sportsplus.php?id=128767
My favorite two quotes are:
1. "I went to USADA and talked to the CEO there and said, 'Hey, people are talking about me. They can't believe I'm doing this. I'm an open book. DNA test me, blood test me, urine test me, do whatever you want. I want to show people I'm clean,'"
2. "The water doesn't know what age you are."
Here's to all you younger guys (and us "Master's too!) Watch out! We aren't going anywhere!
Dan - age 44