Bob Smith
After cancellations due to COVID, the Arizona Senior Olympics (outdoor events only) were held in 2022, including the swim meet on Feb. 27. The competition took place at the Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center in Chandler. Athletes from all over the state showed up for the meet, despite some ongoing COVID concerns and some fairly strict entry protocols.
Quail Creek resident Bob Smith swam in five events and won gold in his age group in three of the five: the 1,650-yard freestyle (swimmer’s mile), the 50-yard backstroke, and the 50-yard butterfly. In the 500-yard freestyle, he took silver, and in the 50-yard freestyle, he took bronze. Medaling in those five events qualifies him to participate in those events at the National Senior Olympics in Pittsburgh in 2023.
As usual, a dedicated team of 50 or so volunteers made the meet a tremendous success. The annual Senior Games is always a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow swimmers who have been participating over the years and to stay involved in athletic competition. For more information on the event, visit www.seniorgames.org.