A Living Legend

Dara Torres. The ageless wonder. The mom swimmer. The 40 year-old Olympian. Dara Torres is known for many things, including her age, fitness regime, and beauty – and, oh yeah, being one of the most successful swimmers in American history. Dara Torres is the swimmer version of the Energizer Bunny. She keeps going, and going, and going. Torres is perhaps most famous for qualifying for the U.S. Olympic swim team at the relatively "ripe" age of 41 years-old. At the 2008 Olympics, Torres made Olympic history by becoming the oldest-ever female swimmer in any Olympics. She didn't waste her opportunity, winning 3 silver medals (including one individual in the 50m freestyle) bringing her career medal count to 12 (4 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze).  She has competed in 5 Olympiads over her career ('84, '88, '92, '00, '08) -- the most Olympic appearances of any U.S. swimmer.

The Mom Swimmer

Dara Torres is the perfect mix of genetics, motivation, and determination. While Torres has achieved Olympic success enviable of almost any athlete, she received widespread attention due to her age. In a sport where most competitors range from their teens to early twenties, Torres has defied skeptics, proving that a working mom can achieve Olympic success – even in her 40s, even in motherhood. In a heartening display at the 2008 Olympic Trails, when, after spending nearly seven years away from the pool, Torres qualified for the team, she carried her two year-old daughter around the pool deck. At the 2008 Olympics, Torres barely missed winning an individual gold in the 50m freestyle – by .01 of a second. But her success and determination served as an inspiration to competitors and fans alike, earning her widespread recognition following the ’08 games.

Cross-Training Regime

Seven years away from the pool? 41 years-old? Still at the world’s best? What’s her secret? The answer, claims Torres: cross-training.  Dara Torres was the first athlete to appear in Sports Illustrated: The Swimsuit Edition for a reason. She trains, and not just in the pool.  In previous years, Torres has served as spokeswoman for fitness and, in particular, Tae Bo. Torres believes fitness is the way to staying young. In her book, “Age is Only a Number,” Torres outlines her secret for success, staying fit, and feeling young. She reportedly spends over $100,000 on her trainers, but claims that the most important thing people can do for their bodies might be as simple as a walk in the park. “It doesn’t have to be a purposeful workout,” Torres tells ThatsFit.com, “you just need to get out there and move, even if it’s just a brisk daily walk. Exercise not only makes you feel younger, it relieves stress, and you automatically look better. It’s a win-win.”

2009 and Beyond

In 2009, Torres is back in the pool – again – challenging the myth that one needs to be young to compete against the world’s best. At the 2009 U.S. Nationals, she qualified for the World Championships. She is already the second most decorated swimmer in US Olympic history.  Can she keep going to 2012? 2016? 2020? Who knows. But with Dara Torres, it’s always about history in the making. 

Five-time Olympian (2008, 2000, 1992, 1988, 1984)

12 Olympic Medals (4 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze)
2008 Olympics (Beijing)
SILVER
50m Freestyle
400m Freestyle Relay
400m Medley Relay

2000 Olympics (Sydney)
GOLD
400m Freestyle Relay
400m Medley Relay
BRONZE
50m Freestyle
100m Freestyle
100m Butterfly

1992 Olympics (Barcelona)
GOLD
400m Freestyle Relay

1988 Olympics (Seoul)
SILVER
400m Medley Relay
BRONZE
400m Freestyle Relay

1984 Olympics (Los Angeles)
GOLD
400m Freestyle Relay

1 World Medal (silver)

1986 World Championships (Madrid)
SILVER
400m Freestyle Relay