Chalk up another Canadian record for the incomparable Conny Stamhuis.
The Kelowna swimmer recently set a new mark in the 200 metre backstroke in the 85-89 age group at a meet in Victoria.
A member of the Okanagan Masters Swim Club, Stamhuis, 85, posted a time of 4:52.88, knocking eight full seconds off the previous record.
She also set a new B.C. 50-metre long course breaststroke record with a time of 1:04.28 at the same meet.
Stamhuis started with masters swimming following retirement from her career as a nurse, after a break of 48 years from competitive swimming as a teenager in the Netherlands.
“Conny is an unbelievable inspiration to all of us,” said Okanagan Masters Swim Club coach Sally Wallick. “She is always at training even when she’s experienced really difficult circumstances. Having started swimming relatively late in her life, Conny is living proof that swimming is a lifetime sport.
“It is much gentler on the body than anything else and masters swimming provides an environment of camaraderie and support.”
Meanwhile, OMSC will be hosting the 2017 B.C. Masters Swimming Championships April 21 to 23 with than 200 swimmers and their families expected to attend.
Meet manager Norma Lachance expects to have registration open during the first week of March.
