Think you’re too old to start something new? Think again. Meet Betty Brussel, a 101-year-old competitive swimmer. She returned to the pool later in life and jumped into her first competition at age 67. Decades later, she’s still training consistently and is even breaking records alongside her teammates at White Rock Wave. Her coach, Linda Stanley Wilson (66), describes Betty as “feisty, independent, and full of life.” Betty reflects on 100 years of life lessons, what swimming has taught her, and what she loves about her age—with added perspectives from Coach Linda.
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What was it like to start competing in your 60s? Were you nervous?
Betty: Yes, very. Now, not really. The first time I swam in Coquitlam in 1991, I did one stroke and I didn’t even do it right. And through the years I just learned … and the girls in the pool had fun teaching all these older people all the things … you know, the turns and the dives and the proper strokes. I did butterfly, too.
Have you always been active?
Betty: In the winter we could go cross-country skiing, and I used to speed skate when I was young. We always went for long walks every day, and swimming in the summer. My husband was a good swimmer because when he grew up he got lessons. I just learned all by myself. My sister would hold me and I would hold her, and all of a sudden you could stay on top of the water, you know? So I swam, but there was not really any skill to it.
What do you enjoy about being part of a team?
Betty: They’re so helpful and sweet. And I pull my weight, you know, because even when I was younger, the points go all to the team. If I win, I get the points for them. It makes me feel good. I don’t want to be a burden on anyone.
Coach Linda: The great thing about swim teams is that age is not a boundary—this leads to deep friendships across the age spectrum. At most meets, the heats are organized by speed, so they are mixed-gender and mixed-age. In the results, finishes are recorded by gender and five-year age increments. Almost everyone scores points for the team, so there is also a sense of accomplishment for all participants (success sustains effort!).
“I have everything that I ever need. That’s what I like. I’m just a happy person.”
Do you “feel old” now at 101?
Betty: No, never did. I don’t think about it. I never did. I still really don’t. I’m actually a little bit proud of it. I’m 101—I made it.
What do you love about the age you are right now?
Betty: I’m so fortunate to be able to do whatever I can do … I like that I’m free and to do what I still can do. I don’t need anything anymore. I have everything that I ever need. That’s what I like. I’m just a happy person, I think.
You’ve had injuries and health setbacks. How did you come back?
Betty: I fell downstairs when I was in my own home, and I had a little crack in one of the vertebrae. I was in hospital for 10 days. After that, I came back to the pool and my friend helped me. I would lie on the board and first only do my hands, and slowly I could swim again. I just always went back to swimming.
The last time in Nanaimo [at the BC Senior Games] … I had fallen, scraped my arm, and I had not been swimming. But they wrapped the bandage around with plastic and I still went to the meet. I did the 200m. I made it, and I had a good time! As I said, I just have a lot of willpower.
What keeps you going back to the pool?
Betty: I still love it now. I always feel better when I come out of the pool now when I go in. But two times a week is enough. I get a bit tired, you know? I don’t have as much stamina anymore, although I have a lot of willpower. I never give up.
What do you credit for staying healthy and aging well?
Betty: Get into something … a hobby that you like, that you’re able to do, and that gives you pleasure. I think that’s the whole thing: keep doing stuff. I still went to the swim meets [when my husband couldn’t]. I would put him in a place where he was absolutely happy, and he didn’t mind, and I would go to Sydney, I would go to Torino, I would go to Budapest. I still did all that stuff, and when I came back with my medals, he was proud of me. He was happy. Make sure [your person] is happy, but don’t give up your own life because you are not going back to it. Once you quit, you don’t go back to it. Keep doing your own stuff. I think that’s important.
Coach Linda: I’m keenly aware of the importance of exercise and proper nutrition in not only living longer, but remaining active and vibrant. Regular activity has to become a natural part of one’s lifestyle. Going to the gym a few times a week or working out at home is a good start, but incorporating meaningful movement opportunities throughout every day is key. Every day is another day to get up and move.
What would you say to women who want to try swimming (or something new) later in life?
Betty: Try it. If you don’t like it, [then] you don’t like it, but it’s such a wonderful feeling to just glide through the water. I never push myself. If you do the stroke right, you go fast all by yourself.
Coach Linda: Water offers many people with little exercise experience and/or limited mobility a forgiving environment in which to exercise. It’s also a great environment when recovering from an injury or surgery. With no experience, women can engage in water walking and water aerobics … building muscular strength and aerobic endurance by engaging in a fun activity. As with any exercise, it’s important to start with a supervised program and/or instruction to ensure proper technique. Joining a team provides a chance to receive feedback about stroke technique and to build endurance. There are many entry-level competitions so that new competitors can feel a sense of achievement early on in their swimming journey.
“Betty is a go-getter, full of energy and a zest for living. She has a twinkle in her eyes and a great sense of humor. She is one of our most stylish teammates—she loves anything sparkly!”
How do you keep such a positive outlook?
Betty: Some people are always looking at the dark side and as I said, all my life I always thought it can’t be worse, it’ll be better. I went through some bad times too … and for the rest, I’m a happy person. I always think, ‘I have my hands and I have my brain and I’ll be okay.’ Whatever happens, I’ll be okay. I was never rich, but I was always enough.
Coach Linda: Betty is a go-getter, full of energy and a zest for living. She has a twinkle in her eyes and a great sense of humor. She is one of our most stylish teammates—she loves anything sparkly! She is also very close with her extended family. Being a valued member of our team and part of a loving family are important components of Betty’s life.
What do you think makes for a good life?
Betty: Love. Love people. I’ve always had a lot of love. My family loves me. My kids love me. Most of my friends are gone, but I’ve made new friends. I don’t make enemies. No way. Anybody who is difficult, okay—that’s your problem, not mine. Be kind and be tolerant, because sometimes people who are nasty might have a problem. I just try to be proud of myself instead.
At 101, Betty Brussel has earned every headline, though she remains modest about her achievements. “I don’t think I’m special … I’m just tough, you know?” Her toughness, along with her joy, pragmatic mindset, and refusal to stop “doing stuff,” is a reminder that aging well isn’t about avoiding the years—it’s about living them fully. As Coach Linda puts it: “I think there are often preconceived notions of what older women are capable of. Betty displays tenacity in demonstrating her independence. Being feisty is definitely an essential attribute for remaining a vital and healthy individual. I will follow Betty’s lead!”
Follow along with Betty and Coach Linda’s journey on Instagram @wr.wave!
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