“Slow, Creaky, but Good for My Age”: Nearing Centurion, Swimming Enthusiast Becomes National Champion at Masters

The participants at the 2023 U.S. Masters Swimming competitions have proven yet again that age is just a number. The fifth day of the USMS saw remarkable performances from swimmers of all ages. However, the most captivating moments of the competition were those that involved the swimmers of the older age groups. One such swimmer was 93-year-old Frank Manheim, who won hearts with his skill and determination.

Frank Manheim eagerly waited for the USMS and looked forward to taking part in it. When the opportunity arrived, he registered his name for the Short Course National Championship. His epic swimming skills and stamina have stunned the event staff, fans, and fellow participants alike.

Nonagenarian’s incredible feat in the swimming pool

Frank Manheim was one of four participants in the USMS who were above 90 years old. Each of the older participants displayed an indomitable spirit to complete the race. One such swimmer was Charlotte Sanddal, who entered the competition to represent Big Sky Montana Masters. After winning all five events, she took part in it, and the 98-year-old was heard saying, “People realize that you don’t have to quit”. Frank Manheim shared the same belief as Sanddal and wanted to show that quitting is not an option.

The spectators gathered at Greensboro on the fifth day of the USMS got to see something very special. Frank Manheim won four events out of five and took home the title for the 50m backstroke. Manheim also won the 100m and 200m backstroke, but his performance in the 50m backstroke has gone down in history.

Masters Swimming celebrated the 93-year-old’s victory with a video uploaded on Twitter alongside a statement that read, “Frank Manheim, 93, is a national champion in the 50 backstroke with a time of 1:01.13”. Manheim commented on his performance, saying, “slow, creaky, but good for my age”. All present at the meet wanted to know how he managed this feat at his age. The champion shared the secret behind his success which made everyone crack up.

Frank Manheim amuses everyone with a hidden secret

Manheim jokingly said, “The secret to medals in the older ages is the right remedial clinics and the best surgeons”. The swimming ace has undergone a hip and knee replacement because of his arthritis. He also has a stent and a pacemaker in his heart. He is also hard of hearing and has a cochlear implant. All of these health issues might have overwhelmed an ordinary person. But, Manheim did not lose his sense of humor and thought of himself as a bionic man. However, on a serious note, he added that since his arthritis has robbed him of the ability to run or jump. Swimming is the only form of exercise he has left.

Read More: 21-Year-Old Australian Swimmer Adds Her Name Again on the 100M Backstroke World Record Finishing Less Than a Second Behind Her 2021 Record

Manheim gave the credit for his success to his wife, Lucy. She is also a swimmer at the Reston Masters Swim Team and helped her husband to enhance his form and technique. With her help, Manheim was able to overcome his difficulty in straightening his arms. He was not chasing the previous record made by Willard Lamb. He thought his speed was not good enough to reach Lamb’s record. Therefore his resolve and optimism are an example for us all.

Watch This Story: Australian Swimming Legend Erupts on Cate Campbell After Her Statement on the US-Australia Swimming Row