Meet Marion Beulke, the 95-year-old swimmer proving it's never too late to go for gold
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We hope you're all staying fit and healthy during these trying times! Here at the SDC, we like to encourage our members to stay as active as possible in order to maintain both their physical and mental well-being. That said, any changes to your exercise routine should be discussed with your GP.
But if you need any more inspiration to get up and about, look no further than Marion Beulke – a 95-year-old swimming enthusiast who is competing in the 2022 Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast. Talk about setting the bar high!
Marion is the oldest competitor at the event by quite a margin, but she has no time for people who say they are too old to get active.
'We're inclined to sleep more at this age, and that is dangerous…' she told a news source. 'The more you do, the more you can do.'
Since seeing an advertisement for the World Masters Games in Melbourne when she was 75 years old, Marion has been dedicating herself to competitive swimming – and she’s loving every minute of it!
'I love it,' Marion said of swimming. 'The water is supporting you. All you have to do is float and move your arms and legs and breathe. That's all.'
Since winning a bronze medal in the 400-meter freestyle, she has dedicated herself to the sport for the past two decades. Up to this day, she has racked up an impressive collection of medals; in fact, she's even got a drawer full of them at home!
But Marion isn't content to rest on her laurels; she's still going strong and is currently competing in six events at the Pan Pacific Masters Games. What's more, because she is the only swimmer in her age group, she's guaranteed to bring home six gold medals!
'I'm doing the 50m backstroke and 50m breaststroke, which I am not very good at,' said the swimmer. 'The 100m freestyle I do alright at. The 200m freestyle, I find an effort.'
After it was announced that the Pan Pacific Masters Games would be trialled as an annual event, Marion will have another chance to compete next year.
And when asked if she would be returning, she responded that she couldn't commit yet because she needs her daughter's help for movement and needs to pay attention to her own body's capabilities.
'Never say never,' she admitted. 'It all depends on how I feel and whether I can get somebody to look after me.'
We wish Marion all the best for the rest of the Pan Pacific Masters Games and for her future competitions!
What do you think of this story, members? If you're feeling inspired by Marion's story and are thinking about getting into swimming yourself, we recommend checking out this video below:
Credit: Fares Ksebati.
But if you need any more inspiration to get up and about, look no further than Marion Beulke – a 95-year-old swimming enthusiast who is competing in the 2022 Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast. Talk about setting the bar high!
Marion Beulke is set to win six gold medals at the Gold Coast Pan Pacific Master Games. Credit: Facebook/Pan Pacific Masters Swimming.
Marion is the oldest competitor at the event by quite a margin, but she has no time for people who say they are too old to get active.
'We're inclined to sleep more at this age, and that is dangerous…' she told a news source. 'The more you do, the more you can do.'
Since seeing an advertisement for the World Masters Games in Melbourne when she was 75 years old, Marion has been dedicating herself to competitive swimming – and she’s loving every minute of it!
'I love it,' Marion said of swimming. 'The water is supporting you. All you have to do is float and move your arms and legs and breathe. That's all.'
Since winning a bronze medal in the 400-meter freestyle, she has dedicated herself to the sport for the past two decades. Up to this day, she has racked up an impressive collection of medals; in fact, she's even got a drawer full of them at home!
Marion started swimming at age 75. Credit: Facebook/Frankston Peninsula Masters Swimming Club Inc.
But Marion isn't content to rest on her laurels; she's still going strong and is currently competing in six events at the Pan Pacific Masters Games. What's more, because she is the only swimmer in her age group, she's guaranteed to bring home six gold medals!
'I'm doing the 50m backstroke and 50m breaststroke, which I am not very good at,' said the swimmer. 'The 100m freestyle I do alright at. The 200m freestyle, I find an effort.'
After it was announced that the Pan Pacific Masters Games would be trialled as an annual event, Marion will have another chance to compete next year.
And when asked if she would be returning, she responded that she couldn't commit yet because she needs her daughter's help for movement and needs to pay attention to her own body's capabilities.
'Never say never,' she admitted. 'It all depends on how I feel and whether I can get somebody to look after me.'
What do you think of this story, members? If you're feeling inspired by Marion's story and are thinking about getting into swimming yourself, we recommend checking out this video below:
Credit: Fares Ksebati.
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