Senior thrillseeker sets sights on next adventure at 93
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Nestled in the picturesque Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Noeline Dahlen-Maclean stands as a living testament to the adage that age is but a number.
At the remarkable age of 93, she defies the conventional expectations of slowing down in her golden years.
A former champion diver and accomplished swimmer, Ms Dahlen-Maclean's indomitable spirit shines through, undeterred even by recent challenges.
Just a few months ago, she underwent the installation of a pacemaker, yet instead of letting it deter her, she continues to embrace life with vigour and enthusiasm.
In October, she participated in the Australian Masters Games in Adelaide, where she won four gold medals in freestyle and backstroke.
This was her first time back in the pool since 2017, and she says she feels the best she has in years.
'I wanted to prove that I was alive again,' said Ms Dahlen-Maclean. 'To know that I could still do it and achieve that satisfaction, it was good to be back in the water.'
Her participation in the games was not just about personal satisfaction. She also wanted to inspire her son, who has a disability.
'I wanted to encourage him to “keep on, keeping on” and just to show him that you can make the best out of life, no matter what life deals you,' she said.
Ms Dahlen-Maclean's love for water sports dates back to 1946 when she won silver and bronze diving medals at the British Empire Games, now known as the Commonwealth Games.
'There was no support in any way behind you when competing like there is today,' she recalled.
Her passion for diving and swimming has taken her all over the world. 'I've virtually seen the world in a wet swimsuit,' she quipped.
In 1959, driven by a mission to reduce child drownings after a spate of deaths in creeks and rivers, Ms Dahlen-Maclean embarked on a journey across outback Queensland.
Dressed in a lovely frock, driving a Fiat 1100 and towing a trailer carrying a portable pool, she would set up an 18-foot-diameter pool in a new town every fortnight and teach country kids how to swim.
She travelled alone, covering about 3,218 kilometres over a six-month period.
'It was a need, and I had the ability to do something about it and fulfil that need. It was very rewarding,' she said.
Ms Dahlen-Maclean's passion for swimming education led her to start her own swim school in 1952. Over the years, she has taught 'many thousands' of children and adults, specialising in teaching people with special needs.
But that’s not all. Ms Dahlen-Maclean's 80th birthday was marked by a thrilling skydiving adventure over Mount Kosciuszko, showcasing her limitless spirit and energy.
When asked by the instructor if she was nervous, she responded, 'No. Let's fly'.
She recalled it as her 'best high dive ever' and remarked: ‘And my swimsuit didn't even get wet.’
So, what's next for this unstoppable woman? Ms Dahlen-Maclean, who now gets around with a walking frame and her pacemaker, says there's still one more thing she'd like to try.
'Maybe now, since I've got a heart that's beating properly, who knows, maybe I'll achieve it,' she said.
'But I would dearly love to go hang-gliding off Sublime Point south of Sydney. That's on my bucket list.'
Noeline Dahlen-Maclean's story is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to living life to the fullest. Her zest for life, her determination to overcome challenges, and her desire to inspire others are truly inspiring.
Whether it's diving, swimming, teaching, or skydiving, Ms Dahlen-Maclean has shown that it's never too late to pursue your passions and make a difference in the world.
So, dear members, let's take a leaf out of Ms Dahlen-Maclean's book and remember it's never too late to start something new, to chase a dream, or to make a difference.
What do you think of Ms Dahlen-Maclean’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
At the remarkable age of 93, she defies the conventional expectations of slowing down in her golden years.
A former champion diver and accomplished swimmer, Ms Dahlen-Maclean's indomitable spirit shines through, undeterred even by recent challenges.
Just a few months ago, she underwent the installation of a pacemaker, yet instead of letting it deter her, she continues to embrace life with vigour and enthusiasm.
In October, she participated in the Australian Masters Games in Adelaide, where she won four gold medals in freestyle and backstroke.
Noeline Dahlen-Maclean won four medals in the last Australian Masters Games. Source: Local Guardians/Facebook
This was her first time back in the pool since 2017, and she says she feels the best she has in years.
'I wanted to prove that I was alive again,' said Ms Dahlen-Maclean. 'To know that I could still do it and achieve that satisfaction, it was good to be back in the water.'
Her participation in the games was not just about personal satisfaction. She also wanted to inspire her son, who has a disability.
'I wanted to encourage him to “keep on, keeping on” and just to show him that you can make the best out of life, no matter what life deals you,' she said.
Ms Dahlen-Maclean's love for water sports dates back to 1946 when she won silver and bronze diving medals at the British Empire Games, now known as the Commonwealth Games.
'There was no support in any way behind you when competing like there is today,' she recalled.
Her passion for diving and swimming has taken her all over the world. 'I've virtually seen the world in a wet swimsuit,' she quipped.
In 1959, driven by a mission to reduce child drownings after a spate of deaths in creeks and rivers, Ms Dahlen-Maclean embarked on a journey across outback Queensland.
Dressed in a lovely frock, driving a Fiat 1100 and towing a trailer carrying a portable pool, she would set up an 18-foot-diameter pool in a new town every fortnight and teach country kids how to swim.
She travelled alone, covering about 3,218 kilometres over a six-month period.
'It was a need, and I had the ability to do something about it and fulfil that need. It was very rewarding,' she said.
Ms Dahlen-Maclean's passion for swimming education led her to start her own swim school in 1952. Over the years, she has taught 'many thousands' of children and adults, specialising in teaching people with special needs.
But that’s not all. Ms Dahlen-Maclean's 80th birthday was marked by a thrilling skydiving adventure over Mount Kosciuszko, showcasing her limitless spirit and energy.
When asked by the instructor if she was nervous, she responded, 'No. Let's fly'.
She recalled it as her 'best high dive ever' and remarked: ‘And my swimsuit didn't even get wet.’
So, what's next for this unstoppable woman? Ms Dahlen-Maclean, who now gets around with a walking frame and her pacemaker, says there's still one more thing she'd like to try.
'Maybe now, since I've got a heart that's beating properly, who knows, maybe I'll achieve it,' she said.
'But I would dearly love to go hang-gliding off Sublime Point south of Sydney. That's on my bucket list.'
Noeline Dahlen-Maclean's story is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to living life to the fullest. Her zest for life, her determination to overcome challenges, and her desire to inspire others are truly inspiring.
Whether it's diving, swimming, teaching, or skydiving, Ms Dahlen-Maclean has shown that it's never too late to pursue your passions and make a difference in the world.
So, dear members, let's take a leaf out of Ms Dahlen-Maclean's book and remember it's never too late to start something new, to chase a dream, or to make a difference.
What do you think of Ms Dahlen-Maclean’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Champoion Noelene!!! Would love to be you! I have the spirit but not the opportunit.
