Dara Torres - WOW!

[berkeley]

I'm really of two minds about her. As someone her age, it is obviously inspirational. But...

She spends something like $100K a year on massagers, chiros, etc. I dunno, it just seems to greedy and narcissistic, although I'm sure a healthy dose of narcissism is necessary to be world class athlete.

She's on an asthma inhaler. A bronchodilator. She says it's just to get her lungs up to where other folks are, but I don't totally believe it. She uses it 30 minutes before her races & it would definitely giver her a substantial performance boost. I'm just skeptical she's really asthmatic. Who turns asthmatic in their 30s? Most folks grow out of asthma as they get older (me & my dad included).

To the first point... I suppose we could say that about anyone that spends $$ on a "hobby" or "sport", right? I mean, plenty of people think I'm absolutely nuts to spend money on my dogs or a bike... but as long as it's not putting anyone in danger, and it's a source of happiness for them, I really don't care what people spend their money on. KWIM?

To the second - at least she's open and honest about what she's doing, and so far, it's been deemed "legal". She's actually volunteered for more frequent drug testing, so you have to give her credit for that.

[dachshund]

I'm really of two minds about her. As someone her age, it is obviously inspirational. But...

She spends something like $100K a year on massagers, chiros, etc. I dunno, it just seems to greedy and narcissistic, although I'm sure a healthy dose of narcissism is necessary to be world class athlete.

She's on an asthma inhaler. A bronchodilator. She says it's just to get her lungs up to where other folks are, but I don't totally believe it. She uses it 30 minutes before her races & it would definitely giver her a substantial performance boost. I'm just skeptical she's really asthmatic. Who turns asthmatic in their 30s? Most folks grow out of asthma as they get older (me & my dad included).

Well... yeah, but she's 25 years older than most of her competitors. I respect your opinion, but I imagine some of the other athletes are putting big $$ into their programs. I also think it takes massive ego to do something like this, and I don't mean that in a bad way.

I think it's wild. I think she's really inspiring.

[Velobambina]

Younger athletes also a lot of time & money in their training, and actually might have an easier time finding sponsors to pay their expenses. As an over-40 athlete, I find her inspiring. I hope to see her on the medal podium.

[Over50Newbie]

She is my new hero. I am a 53 year old competitive Master's swimmer. Not a very fast swimmer, but I do enjoy it.

For those of you that don't swim, let me tell you that a 41 year old female swimmer is like a dinosaur. She is competing against teenage girls and young women in their 20s. She is now officially the oldest female swimmer in Olympic history.

Also, the fact that she is competing in the 2 fastest Olympic swimming events is even more amazing. because as you age you lose fast-twitch muscle fibers faster than slow-twitch muscle fibers. So to be able to sprint as fast as she does absolutely blows my mind.

She is totally redefining the stereotype of older female swimmers. I can't wait to see her compete in the Beijing Olympics.

Here is a picture of her - look at those abs! WOW!!!

Lynette

[dachshund]

Wow I want to look like that when I'm ...
Oh, wait, I'm older than 41. Nevermind.

Yep, she's awesome.

[ny biker]

I'm really of two minds about her. As someone her age, it is obviously inspirational. But...

She spends something like $100K a year on massagers, chiros, etc. I dunno, it just seems to greedy and narcissistic, although I'm sure a healthy dose of narcissism is necessary to be world class athlete.

She's on an asthma inhaler. A bronchodilator. She says it's just to get her lungs up to where other folks are, but I don't totally believe it. She uses it 30 minutes before her races & it would definitely giver her a substantial performance boost. I'm just skeptical she's really asthmatic. Who turns asthmatic in their 30s? Most folks grow out of asthma as they get older (me & my dad included).

I developed asthma in my 30s. It's nice you grew out of it but after watching my grandmother and father struggle with adult-onset asthma I know that I will only get worse as I get older.

[katluvr]

[QUOTE=ilima;335596]I'm really of two minds about her. As someone her age, it is obviously inspirational. But...

She spends something like $100K a year on massagers, chiros, etc. I dunno, it just seems to greedy and narcissistic, although I'm sure a healthy dose of narcissism is necessary to be world class athlete.QUOTE]

If I was a professional athelete and I could afford all that I would! I currenlty pay a gym membership, pay and meet w/ a personal trainer weekly for 1 hour (strength, core work) and pay a "coach" for my biking and running...all to just get a bit more fit, lose weight and get faster! If I could find a personal chef I would do that tooooo! My work gets in teh way of my desire/love. Her work is her desire/love.

I hate that we are skeptical that a women at her age can continue to be fantastic! I sure hope I am not disappointed!

K

[OakLeaf]

Her body is the tool of her profession.

How much should a lawyer spend on her library? How much should a doctor or dentist spend on on an X-ray machine?

[Crankin]

Well said. If I could, I would spend $100K a year to be in that shape. As it is, what I spend on bikes, sports related vacations, equipment and clothing is enough to make some faint.
I developed asthma in my 30's too.

[velogirl]

I don't know, she looks a little water-logged to me.