Masters swimmer makes Olympic Trials

By Bill Volckening
USMS Editor, SWIM Magazine

FEDERAL WAY, WA.- 37 year-old Wally Dicks of the Montgomery Ancient Mariners and the York Swim Club (VA) today became the oldest man to qualify for the Olympic Trials by swimming the 100 meter breaststroke in 1:05.00 during a time trial in the US Senior National Swimming Championships at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center. "I don't remember exactly how fast I was when I swam as an age-grouper," said Dicks, "but I do know that the time I just set now is my lifetime best." Dicks, who also swam faster than his own FINA Masters World Record, attributed much of his recent success to his coach, Greg York, saying "He showed me how to swim smarter, not harder." Dicks added, "I feel very good that I finally got my cut. If you have a goal and try your hardest, and give it everything you've got, if you accomplish it or not, at least you can walk away saying 'Hey, I gave it my best shot. I am a winner!'"

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