Heim-Bowen Takes Down Three World Records in Perth

BOULDER, Colorado, May 8. REPRESENTING the United States in an international competition can be one of the most exciting events for an athlete. Last month, Walnut Creek Masters swimmer Suzanne Heim-Bowen had the opportunity to travel to Perth, Australia and represent Team U.S.A. at the 2008 FINA World Masters Championships, and it's likely she'll remember the experience for a long time.

"Representing your nation is a different experience and really pulls people together," she said. "There was definitely national pride at stake when racing and I could hear the team cheering."

All of that cheering must have had an effect, because Heim-Bowen had an incredible meet. She set three world records for women 50-54 in the 200 (2:15.00), 400 (4:42.37) and 800 (9:48.81) free, won the 100 free in meet record time (1:02.31), and finished third in the 50 free in 29.27.

"My training this past year has been sporadic, so I wasn't sure what to expect, which is nerve wracking, since I am never quite sure what swimmer in me is going to show up," she said. "So, I was very pleased with my swims, more than I expected."

Heim-Bowen entered a friendly rivalry with Australian Olympic Champion Shane Gould, with the two going head to head in several races. After their 50 free races, they headed down to the local beach to warm down and body surf, one of the highlights of the trip.

Suzanne's husband accompanied her on the trip and took part in the water polo portion of the meet. Suzanne spent so much time watching him that she was invited by coach Traci Grillifrom to join her 50+ women's team at Nationals next month; she accepted.

"I am taking a cram course in how to play water polo. It is much different than just watching it! Should be interesting, different and fun," she said.

As she prepares for that, don't expect Heim-Bowen to back off from swimming. She loves to train, and enjoys socializing with her teammates at practice. Her 82-year old mother swims for Tamalpais Aquatic Masters, and cheering her on is one of her favorite things about Masters swimming.

"I just love to cheer her on and say, "Go Mom!" Growing up as a child, Mom and Dad were always there to cheer me on and take me to meets," she said. "Now I get to do the same for my mom! How lucky is that?"

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