99-year-old B.C. swimmer continues to set world records
As Betty Brussel swam her final length of the pool, a crowd full of spectators, coaches and teammates roared in support as the 99-year-old closed in on making more history Sunday.
Competing in the 800-metre freestyle at the Masters Swimming Association of B.C. provincials in Surrey, Brussel finished with a time of 26 minutes and 17 seconds, a new world record for the 100-to-104-year-old age category.
“I just swam you know; I just did the best I can,” Brussel, who now holds 10 world records, told CTV News.
While the records continue to pile up, Brussel says she continues to compete to maintain her health, and out of love for the sport.
“It’s just a good feeling when you glide through the water,” she said.
Brussel, who will turn 100 years old in July, still dives off the platform with grace.
Her longevity and positive attitude serve as inspiration for her teammates and coaches with the White Rock Wave Swim Club.
“Betty is an inspiration when she swims, whether she breaks a world record or not,” said club president Linda Stanley Wilson.
“She’s just got a really positive outlook, she’s always ready to do any race, she will do relays, she will do six or seven races in a day,” said Stanley Wilson.
Brussel’s path to swimming glory wasn’t exactly a traditional one.
Growing up in Holland with humble beginnings, Brussel eventually immigrated to Canada with her husband and kids, before taking up swimming at the age of 68.
“I didn’t really know anything about proper strokes, or turns, or diving, I picked it all up along the way,” she said.
Stanley Wilson says the club has now created a new “Be like Betty” award.
“It’s an inspiration award we’ll give out every year,” she said. “You don’t have to break a world record, you just need to be a person who is inspiring others.”
Brussel says while she’s still getting learning to embrace the attention coming her way, she takes pride in the fact she’s showing people that you’re never too old to learn.
“People come up to me and say, ‘I was ready to quit, or I didn’t think I could start at my age,’ and then I look at you and say, ‘yes, it can be done,’” she said.
While the provincial championships have come to an end, Brussel says she plans to compete in the World Senior Games in October.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.