My Reflection on 20 years at the Swimming Hole by Mary Val Palumbo, TSH Member since 2001
In the fall of 2001, I noticed the opening of the Swimming Hole and was curious about the Master’s Swimming. I am an early AM exerciser and the TSH was on my way from Hyde Park to Burlington for work. The first day I arrived, I saw a friendly face – Paula Yankauskas; her kids and mine were about the same age and went to the Hyde Park Elementary School. Little did I know of Paula’s swimming resume before that and what was to come. I happily gave Master’s a try because despite having a recreation degree with an aquatic specialization, I never competed as a youth or in college. I had done practically everything else in the water and loved it. And, I loved Master’s at the Swimming Hole too.
Fast forward 20 years and our Master’s group has become part of my life. We have had births, graduations, grandchildren and aging parents together. Many LOVE to swim outside – long and far – Paula is a Triple Crown Queen and my pal who was the oldest American female to swim across the English Channel (for a few weeks). She rocks! But, so do all my other pals who plug along with me in the moderately slow lane and beyond. Coach Brynn, of course has been an inspiration with her dedication to swimming far and worldwide. She is FUN and always smiling at 6AM. She praises my 67 year old body’s sprint down Lane Two like I was Michael Phelps. I am so lucky to have such a great group of friends, a great coach and a beautiful pool to swim in.
Here is a picture from the first swim meet that we went to in 2006 in Maine with some of our old coaches. But you really don’t have to compete to be a Master’s swimmer, just get up early and come have fun with a great group of friends.
Thanks for sharing Mary Val and congratulations on 20 years and counting of swimming, fitness and fun at The Swimming Hole!
We’re celebrating our 20th Anniversary with FREE Masters practices from 9/20-10/1. Practices run Monday- Wednesday- Friday mornings 6:00am -7:00am. Advance bookings required, call us at (802)253-9229 to sign up or visit TSH Online Store for more details and to signup! All levels welcome!