Old champs show stuff in aqua swim

Old and new swimmers, triathletes, former national swimmers and plain swimming buffs swam their way to history by taking part in the very first Master’s Swimming Competition in the Philippines.

Over 140 aqua-natics gathered recently at the Manila Polo Club for the "Caltex Camp Aqua Swim For Fitness Swimming Competition," the only swimming competition for adults 19 years old and above.

"It felt good to compete again. The excitement as I stepped onto the side of the pool to take my mark, the pumping of my heart while I cut the water and the exhilarating feeling as I touched the wall and raised my head up from the water brought back a lot of good memories," said Bert Lozada, former Asian Gamer.

Lozada, 62 years old and a swimming guru who has produced most of the country’s national swimmers, participated in his favorite event, the backstroke. He received a standing ovation as he walked to his lane to swim against the other 60-64-year olds in his event.

The friendly competition included events in 50-meter freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly stroke, 4x50-meter freestyle relay and 4x100-meter freestyle relay. Each of these events were held for several age groups: 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, and 65-69 years old.

The oldest male and female participants were Peter Parson, 67, and Hilda So, 56. Parson came all the way from Baguio and noted that his trip was worth it because his times were even faster than some of those in the younger age group. So, a general manager of Atlantic Knitting Mills and mother of 2 grown children, started swimming to keep fit in 1990.

The "Caltex Camp Aqua Swim For Fitness Swimming Competition" was precisely organized to encourage more adults to take up swimming as a way to maintain good health. Lozada’s BLSS also advocates adult swimming through its Adult Fitness Swimming programs.

"Swimming is the perfect sport to maintain and improve our level of fitness into adulthood as it involves movement of the whole body. It is also a safer alternative for the older group as the risk of injuries is minimized," added Lozada.

Judging from the number of fit and toned bodies who showed up at the competition, including Guy Concepcion, national coach and member of the 1988 National Swimming Team who participated in the 24th Summer Olympiad in Seoul, it seems that adult fitness swimming is poised to take the crown from badminton as the hottest fitness regimen in the country.

The "Caltex Camp Aqua Swim For Fitness Swimming Competition" was sponsored by Caltex, Speedo, Rudy Project, Rev, Fury, Kimberly Clark, Metro Active and Fitness First. For more information on master’s swimming, please contact BLSS at 563-5532 or 805-0237 or visit the BLSS website at www.bertlozadaswimschool.com.