Bob Strand Smashes Two US Masters Marks

By Phillip Whitten

April 3. HE’s baaack! Man, is he back! And he’s aged up.

Bob Strand, who has ruled his age group in the breaststroke ever since he appeared on the Masters scene some 15 years ago, took a few years off a while back to devote his energies to helping his wife Lynn raise their baby daughter. But Ava Strand is now three, so Bob, who turned 60 in February, got back in the water a few months ago.

And he’s a fast as ever.

Swimming at a USMS meet in Mission Viejo, California, last Saturday, March 25, Strand shredded the American records in the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke for men 60-64.

In the 100 breast, Strand stroked his way to a 1:05.46 – more than two seconds under the former record of 1:07.68 set by Kim Bernard just last year. His 50-yard split, 30.63, just missed breaking the record of 30.61 held by Pete Andersen.

Strand swam the 200 breast during the 200 free, so his time will not be recognized officially, but he left no doubt that Dave Gildea’s 2004 mark of 2:32.87 is a goner. Swimming a beautifully paced race, Strand split 1:11.73 for his first 100 before coming back in 1:13.77 for a 2:25.50 – more than seven seconds under Gildea’s record.

There were other outstanding swims at the Mission meet. Mike Freshly, 65, went 1:16.14 for the 100 breast, 28.81 for the 50 fly, and 5:28.47 for the 400 IM, demonstrating that the records in those three events for men 65-69 will be in jeopardy at Nationals.

The 80-84 age group saw four men turn in swift times: Frank Piemme, Jurgen Schmidt, Duane Draves and Lee Arth. Robert Christians turned in solid backstroke and breaststroke performances in the 90-94 division.

For the women, strong swims were recorded by Barbara Dunbar (55-59) and Rita Simonton (85-89).

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