The Other Dara

When I need a little fitness inspiration -- and proof positive that aging doesn't spell the end of athleticism -- I look no further than to Olympic swimmer Dara Torres. The whole name thing aside (there just aren't a whole lot of Daras out there), why do I admire her? Let me count the ways:

• She's 41.
• She's the mom of a daughter.
• She beat out a 25-year-old in the Olympic trials.
• She swam a FASTER time than her gold medal time in Sydney.

Sigh...so much for getting any sympathy for my aching post-dance class muscles. But hey, the other Dara has aches, too. According to the Associated Press, she works with a team of stretchers, coaches and nutritionists to keep her body in top competitive form. Check out her stretching routine.

I'm a total Olympic geek anyway, but this, combined with Rhode Island native Elizabeth Beisel's making the team, has me totally pumped for the swim competition and is a great testament to what female athletes can do. Elizabeth's a high school student and Dara's a middle-aged mom, but both are an inspiration to all women who value the power, not just the pretty, in their bodies.

Comments

[Sagan]

Dara Torres is incredibly inspiring! I hadn't heard about Elizabeth Beisel before but thats really awesome too. It makes you realize what YOU are capable of, when you see women like that and their accomplishments!

[Roxanne]

And ... I believe I read that she's 15 pounds lighter/leaner than she was in her first Olympics. Love that!

[Strong One]

I too am following Dara during the Olympic trials. I'm pullin' for her.
She does however have the luxury of an infinite amount of resources at her disposal.. so let's hope it all pays off.
Whew.. 41.

[mizfit]

I feel like SUCH the cynic as I think I'm the only one who, after the fiasco we call Marion Jones, is a skeptic.

I pray Dara is as she seems/purports.

*here's hoping*

Miz.

[Dara Chadwick]

I agree, Strong One. From my own experience with Shape last year, I know it's way easier to be in top physical form when you have trainers, nutritionists and coaches -- as well as time -- at your disposal.

Miz, I know what you're saying. According to an AP story I read yesterday, though, Dara has undergone above-and-beyond testing to deal with the skeptics. You raise an excellent point, though, that speaks to what we can reasonably expect of our bodies, performance-wise, as we age.

[Mallory]

I have to jump in here to say that I think if anyone understands the limits to their performance its Dara, and while she qualified for two events plus the relays, she is strongly considering only swimming in one as to save her energy. I think she's a rock star! I do think some people's bodies are better suited for certain sports and in swimming thats a good advantage. I still wonder about the dolphin though ;)