Doug Springer breaks swimming records at National Games

Doug Springer swam six events and received six gold medals.

Doug Springer swam six events and received six gold medals.

Doug Springer, the coach of the SaddleBrooke Swim Club, proved that he is the best of the best at the 2017 National Senior Games! Doug swam six events, received six gold medals, annihilated six Senior Games Records and broke one USMS National Record as he out-swam all of the competition in the 70 to 74 year old age group. The swimming competition was a United States Masters Swimming (USMS) recognized meet so he also set USMS National Records, the highest honor for a Masters Swimmer. Doug’s swims were impressive! “In Doug’s modest words: “It was a good meet as I bettered my time from the USMS Nationals in every event.”

The National competition was hosted in Birmingham, Alabama from June 2 through 15, bringing in more than 10,500 athletes age 50 and over. Competition was held in five-year age divisions in 19 sports. Some of the world’s best athletes over 50 displayed their talents and challenged clichéd notions about aging. The first day Doug swam the 50 breast and the 400 IM, with the 400 IM also being a USMS National Record. The second day he swam the 100 IM and the 100 breaststroke. The third day he swam the 200 breaststroke and 200 IM.

This Senior Games was extra special this year because it was the 30th anniversary of the event. Congratulations, Doug!