Local Residents in Pan American Masters Swimming Championship

Former Hinsdale residents Nancy and Phil Dodson, competed in the 2013 Pan American Masters Swimming Long Course Championships last week. Nancy, age 95, won all three of her events, the 50 and 100 free and 50 backstroke. Her freestyle times were faster than the 90 year old men. She was joined by her son Phil, age 60, who earned two 4th place finishes and likewise won three gold medals in the 400 IM, 200 free and 200 butterfly. This was the 1st time the Pan Am Masters championship has been held in the US. Adults compete against each other in 5 year age brackets starting at 25 to 29 and so on.

While Phil has been competing since age 9, swimming for Hinsdale Central HS and Northwestern University and in Masters since age 25, his mother is a recent newcomer having just started at age 85.

Said Phil, “Its one of the most fun events in which I have participated. After all those years where my mom schlepped me around to age group and high school meets, it was my turn to make sure she was ready for her events at the right time and place. And the Latin American swimmers were fantastic with my mom. They applauded her and sought her out for pictures after every swim. This is Masters Swimming at its best!”