Lane 9 News Archive: Masters Spotlight: Graham Johnston Still Going Strong at 76

Masters Spotlight: Graham Johnston Still Going Strong at 76 -- September 22, 2007

By Emily Sampl

BOULDER, Colorado, September 22. WHEN Graham Johnston's swimming career first began, he didn't wear goggles because there weren't any. He trained in a chemical-free pool with no lane lines or starting blocks. And he swam only three strokes, because butterfly hadn't been invented yet.

Seventy years later, with the aid of "fancy lane dividers," hydrodynamic goggles, butterfly and a chlorinated pool, Johnston is thriving. Last month at the USMS Long Course National Championships, he broke the men's 75-79 division world record in the 400 IM in addition to winning five other events in which he also holds the world record. He followed that performance with a remarkable showing at the ASUA Pan American Masters Championships in Puerto Rico, winning five gold medals and the men's 75-79 division highpoint award.

Despite all of his success, Johnston says he swims for more reasons than simply breaking records.

"There are basically three or four reasons why I swim. First of all, I swim to try to remain in good health, both mentally and physically. Also because of the friendships you form, and the ability to travel all over the world. And lastly, I swim because of weight. I try not to gain weight," he said.

Johnston was quick to point out that support from his wife Janice is also very important to him.

"If not for my wife Janice, I might not still be swimming. She backs me 100 percent," he added.

Johnston swims five or six days a week, a significant amount for someone his age, and doesn't plan on quitting anytime soon.

"If I live to be 100, then I'll still be doing it," he joked.

It appears as though Graham Johnston will probably be swimming and rewriting Masters swimming records for many more years to come.

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