News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
The term "masters swimmer" technically refers to a swimmer in a particular age class. It's a polite way of saying "older."
But Camp Sherman swimmer Tom Landis, 66, pushes the definition to its limits. He is truly a "master" swimmer. As in "ace." As in multiple world-record holder. As in elite - at any age.
Landis just added to his long trail of shattered records with a world record in the 1,500 Long Course Meters at a time of 20:00.97 in the 65- to 69-year-old class. The record came at an internationally sanctioned meet in Beaverton earlier this month. It is Landis' seventh world record.
He was also named Oregon Outstanding Masters Swimmer for 2007, Male Over 50 and earned recognition from Swim World Magazine as one of six World Master Swimmers of the Year for 2007.
The 1,500-meter record eluded Landis last year because the meet where he was set to break it was canceled at the last minute. That meant months more of the intense training it takes to swim at his best.
It's a hard grind.
"If you want to achieve your potential, you have to work as hard as you possibly can," Landis said.
Weeks of swimming 15,000 to 20,000 yards leave Landis tired all the time, which he acknowledges "is not fun."
Landis is quick to credit two men for pushing him, keeping him focused and intense through the grueling training schedule.
Coach Bob Bruce, head coach of Central Oregon Masters Aquatics, is "probably the most important single factor in my success," Landis said. "I would be a pretty good swimmer without his help, but with his help I'm much, much better."
Landis also acknowledged his training partner Kris Calvin.
"It's really good that I have him," Landis said. "We train well together, we push each other. He's been an important factor in my doing well."
Landis says that the motivations for anyone to pursue excellence in any endeavor are complex.
"I've never really been a goal-oriented person throughout my life, but I've got this very competitive nature," he said. "I don't know; as I've gotten older, I've become more motivated by swimming goals."
Landis also hopes to serve as a role model for younger swimmers. He's always looked to older swimmers with the hope that he could be in shape like them when he hits their age.
"If I can be that person for someone, I like that," he said. "That motivates me a lot. If I can beat 'em - so much the better!"
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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