Age is just a number is an adage that fits perfectly for one American phenom. It’s never really late to find one’s vocation even if one is in their 70s and 80s! For example, Kirk Kavanaugh and Peter Fechheimer. Fechheimer, now 83 years old, decided to become a lifeguard last year for the Green Hills YMCA. However, on his path to fulfilling his dream, Fechheimer had to pass an eight-hour long online course. Not only that, he also took up physical challenge lessons over the weekends to prepare himself for the job. And well, after passing these initial tests with flying colors, Fechheimer was put to the grind in the water. 

He was required to get to the shallow end of the pool and bring back a 10-pound brick on his stomach. And unsurprisingly, Fechheimer, who was the only one above 25 years in the group, managed to pull everything together. While Fechheimer was doing wonders at Green Hills, he inspired another fellow swimming enthusiast to fulfill his Olympic dreams! 73-year-old Kirk Kavanaugh. How exactly did Fechheimer get the ball rolling for Kavanaugh? How far does their common thread go?

Kirk Kavanaugh, a septuagenarian, is making waves, quite literally

Everybody dreams about getting into the Olympics and Kirk Kavanaugh is living it at 73. Excited about getting inside the water, Kavanaugh registered himself in the USMS Adult Learn-to-Swim program back in 2007. However, it was not until last year that the story of Peter Fechheimer made Kavanaugh decide to push his limits. And instantly, Kavanaugh enrolled at the American Red Cross and took up the lifeguard course. Acknowledging his hard work, mastersswimming congratulated Kirk Kavanaugh on social media. Taking to their Instagram account, they posted a picture of a radiant Kavanaugh and wrote, “Congratulations on your swimming journey, Kirk! Keep up the great work.”

The lessons he learned provided him with the biggest opportunity of his life- rubbing shoulders with potential Olympians. As the US swimmers battle it out for a spot in Paris, Kirk Kavanaugh will be looking watchfully to avoid any unwanted happenings. He will be one of the 75 lifeguards at work for The Mercy Healthplex Seawolves Masters, who will be in charge of a safe rite of passage of the Olympic trials. But the congratulations are not limited. Swimming fans from all over the country poured their best wishes for the 73-year-old. 

Fans are elated with Kirk’s inspiring achievement 

Soon after the post was uploaded, fans took to the comment section to express their views. The official page of Ohio Local Masters Swimming gave a celebratory shout-out to Kirk Kavanaugh, who is presumably from Ohio. Expressing immense pride in their fellow 73-year-old Ohioan making a significant contribution at the Olympic Trials, the comment read, “Wooooo Ohio represent!!”

Encouraging Kirk to enjoy his experience in his unique role during the high-profile event, one user commented, “Go Mark! Have fun! Amazing ‘job’ to have !” “The guy is 73 and looks fit”, wrote another user praising Kirk Kavanaugh’s impressive physical condition at this age. His fitness is also another reason behind him contributing at such a high level by taking on a demanding role during the Olympic trials. 

Referring to the American Red Cross lifeguard certification that Kirk Kavanaugh completed, another fan added a comment. The Instagram user wrote, “Awesome. It’s a hard test.” This certification course is quite challenging, as it involves rigorous physical requirements, swimming skills, and emergency response training. 

One Instagram user expressed their aspiration to become a lifeguard at the Olympic trials. Kirk’s achievement at the age of 73 is indeed awe- inspiring in and of itself. The user added, “I would like to be able to guard the trials”.

Thus, with examples of Fechheimer and Kavanaugh, it is hence proved that the human mind can do wonders. And defining for Kavanaugh, Essentially Sports would wish him to continue the endeavors for a long time in the future.