Swimming is not just a fun sport, but it also renders a multitude of benefits. It is the ideal workout and welcomes everyone regardless of their age and helps in staying fit and active. Along similar lines, Larry Terkel, a 76-year-old Hudson pro swimmer, proved that age is just a number and all it takes is the unwavering passion to emerge victorious from the pool. 

From July 14 to July 17, the National Seniors Games were conducted in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. This competition is held every two years and around 11,000 senior athletes (over 50 years of age) take part in it in various sports. Like some other senior athletes, Terkel indulged in swimming after age 60, as before that he was a professor of World Religion at Kent State University. And now, Terkel has 7 Gold Medals in National Senior Games Swimming.  

Larry Terkel’s journey of swimming

Larry started swimming in LifeCenter Plus, a health and fitness facility in Hudson. He gave credit to his swimming coach, E.J. Mcliduff from Hudson high school, who refined his swimming techniques. The 76-year-old stated, “They corrected my technique,” thanking his teammates and Mcliduff. According to Akron Beacon Journal, in this recent Senior Championships, Larry won gold in the 50-yard butterfly, 50 and 100-yard breaststroke, and 50 and 100-yard freestyle, in the 75-79 age group category. Besides this, Larry also won gold in the 4X50 mixed freestyle relay and 4X50 mixed medley relay. 

Apart from this senior championship, Terkel had a record of 5th fastest time in swimming last year in his age category. Larry is also a US Masters Swimming champion and holds a record in 50 and 100-yard freestyle in Senior Championship. Besides all this event, Larry tried to push his limits, and he took part in 200 yards freestyle, which he lost to Mark Heeter, another swimmer from Ohio. When he was asked how he became a pro swimmer, Larry replied “They all want to know how I’m getting faster.” He added, “It’s no secret. I simply tell them I’m still learning how to swim.” But how did Larry set such milestones at the age of 76? What is his secret?

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Yoga: Larry’s real secret to staying fit 

Larry Terkel, the swimming champion, describes himself as a sprinter and he says his real secret is Yoga. He also teaches Yoga in the Spiritual Life Society, a yoga center in Hudson. Larry describes the importance of yoga by saying, “Swimming is yoga in the water. Everything we do in yoga – flexibility, alignment, breathing, knowing where your body parts are, your relationship with the environment, your relationship with yourself – helps in swimming.”

Read More: Ahead of World Swimming Championships, 7x Olympic Gold Medalist Caeleb Dressel Teases Fans About His Comeback

Larry Terkel is definitely a late bloomer who is fulfilling his dream of swimming. He set two records and won 4 various categories in the National Senior Olympics. Interestingly, along with swimming championships, he also is the author of two different international best-selling books.

He said he will be back again next year in the games and will set some new records.

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