We’ve got new world records in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle, set by none other than LIMU’s own Rowdy, coach of Team Blu Frog. But let’s back up a minute.
The scene was the Orlando Aquatic Center, and the stage was the First Annual Rowdy Gaines Masters Classic. The swim meet was staged in conjunction with the Aquaball, a YMCA party/fundraiser hosted by the facility each year at Sea World. There were more than 200 registered swimmers at the meet, compared with about 50 last year, and Aquaball attendance was up by over 100 percent in 2008!
Rowdy did double duty throughout the weekend, swimming in the meet and emceeing at the gala. Team Blu Frog made its swimming debut with Rowdy as coach and many of his swimming posse as members. They made a great showing, finishing 7th out of 40 teams present. And lots of unattached masters swimmers wanna be frogs too!
In all, Team Blu Frog broke three masters age group world records. Rowdy broke the world records in 50-and 100-meter freestyle, and Keith Switzer broke the world record for 400-meter freestyle! Go BLU! VIEW PHOTOS FROM YMCA MASTERS CLICK TO READ AN ARTICLE FROM THE LEDGER
50 Freestyle ... 23.38 new record (old record 24.02) 100 Freestyle ... 51.61 new record (old record 54.61)
50 Freestyle ... 23.58 new record (old record 24.60)
50 Freestyle … 21.38 new record (old record 21.73) 100 Freestyle … 46.59 new record (old record 48.05) 200 Freestyle … 1:43.67 new record (old record 1:46.25)
50 Freestyle … 21.62 new record (old record 21.64) 100 Freestyle … 47.04 new record (old record 48.05) 200 Freestyle … 1:44.14 new record (old record 1:46.25)