ST. GEORGE – Among the oldest swimmers in this year’s Huntsman World Senior Games, Ole Larson, 92, traveled all the way from the East Coast to Southern Utah. He will compete in nine different events through Friday.
Swimming is Larson’s lifelong passion. He entered the pool at age 6, started teaching other children to swim at age 10 and later earned a doctorate in exercise science. His healthy lifestyle has allowed him to continue a competition schedule that athletes decades younger would envy.
“I come all the way out here and I try to get my money’s worth,” Larson said. “This is my 13th year coming to the Senior Games.”
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Videocast by Michael Nielsen, St. George News
The Wong family will also be competing in multiple events, following in the swim strokes of their 85-year-old mother, Flora, who encouraged her two daughters to join the Games once they turned 50. They are accompanied by 92-year-old Charlotte Sanddal, who previously broke a world record in the 50-meter fly at the Games and recently returned from the World Masters Games in Torino, Italy.
Swimming kicked off yesterday and will continue through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center. Events range from the 50-meter freestyle to the 400-meter relay. Medals and ribbons will be awarded to the top athletes.
“It’s a great event,” Sanddal said.
For more information on the 2013 Huntsman World Senior Games, visit the official website.
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St. George News assistant editor Alexa Verdugo Morgan contributed to this story.
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Twitter: @STGnews
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.
I am impressed with all those who participated in the games. They are truly remarkable.!
I also like this new “videographer/photographer/writer” in your sports department. Michael Nielsen is it.?
I’m not sure about the ruggedly handsome part but I’m impressed with his writing and his professionalism.
I believe that given even more opportunities, he will shine.
PS… Tell him his dad says hi.!