A Woman To Watch

By drodriguez Aug 16, 2008

Watching the Olympics this year may do more for you than just entertain. If you happened to catch Dara Torres compete, there is a good chance you could not help feeling inspired by her. The 41-year-old mother of a two-year-old now holds 10 Olympic medals and she is not finished.

Last Sunday Torres became the oldest Olympic swimming medalist when she helped her U.S. team take home silver in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay. Torres’ victorious run may not be over yet, as she is still scheduled to compete in the 50-meter-freestyle.

Even though Torres retired from elite training back in 2000, she still kept up with swimming in the Masters every year. Her training continued through her pregnancy, morning sickness, and soon after the birth of her daughter. Torres talked to Time magazine earlier this year after winning a spot in the Olympic trials. She said, “I had literally just breast fed my daughter, got on the blocks and got ready to swim. I didn’t know what to expect, so I was pleasantly surprised.”

Since coming back into the spotlight Torres has undergone the expected scrutiny over whether she has used illegal performance enhancing drugs to be able to have the strength and incredible endurance she has at her age. In response to the scrutiny and questions, Torres has committed herself to numerous drug tests and has even signed on with a random drug-testing program that probes into many aspects of her life to prove she is clean. Illegal substances have never been found in her system.

Some may ask why she puts herself through all of that just to prove she is not taking steroids. Her answer is as inspiring as her Olympic performances, “I feel like I have so many middle-aged women who look up to me. I want them to feel proud, and feel like they can do what they set out to do. I would never do anything to disappoint these women.”

What do you think of Dara Torres’ response to scrutiny over whether she has taken performance-enhancing drugs?

Have you been able to catch Dara Torres competing in the Olympics this year?

Make a Comment

Comments

by redladyvi | GRAND PRAIRIE, TX

Aug 19, 2008

I am so inspired by her! Just goes to show that you don't have to be young to be vital and inspirational.

by edelgaizo | Chapel Hill, NC

Aug 18, 2008

As others have said, she truly is an inspiration to all!

by loricm | Shakopee, MN

Aug 18, 2008

Dara is amazing, an inspiration to all women everywhere. Loved watching her swim and medal.

by jenr02 | Jackson, WI

Aug 18, 2008

She has done an amazing job. And doesn't that performance-enhancing drup thing come up for every athlete in the headlines? I think it is often made up so the media has something to say.

by KJimenez | Bakersfield, CA

Aug 17, 2008

She is the best!!! I enjoyed watching her!! Shows us that age is just a number!!

by chaseorion027 | new castle , PA

Aug 17, 2008

loved every minute of watching her swim!! way to go!!!

by kirstensapphire | Fremont, CA

Aug 17, 2008

"Congratulations" to her new silver medal!

by mysterycat | SPRINGFIELD, MA

Aug 16, 2008

It's wonderful to see someone who feels confident to challenge a system that automatically writes-off any athlete over the age of 25 (approximate).

While this most obvious in sports (particularly World Competitions and the Olympics), it happens in so many other arenas of life. Skepticism can rear it's ugly head in many ways: age, gender, lifestyles, just to name a few. My whole life I have fought against typical stereotypes and attitudes, simply because I chose not to follow a traditional female role.

So, as one who is battered, bruised, and a little cut, by running into (and sometimes through) so many glass walls and glass ceilings, I say "Well Done!" to Dara Torres.

by nomorerain3 | TONAWANDA, NY

Aug 16, 2008

Of course people are going to assume she is on performance enhancing drugs. She is absolutly AMAZING! She is in incredible shape and for some reason people find it hard to believe that someone could be that good on their own. I give her credit for allowing all the tests to be done even though she really doesn't need them.

by pricilla | daisytown, PA

Aug 16, 2008

I am very happy for Dara, she has woked hard and hung in there, she deserves the fame. Pricilla

by lynn67 | Four Oaks, NC

Aug 16, 2008

I heard about her and was lucky enough to watch her swim. She is amazing!!!U just got 2 luv her.

by didama | MAPLEWOOD, NJ

Aug 15, 2008

Dara Torres is an inspiration! Having participated in sports when I was younger, I understand how much physical and emotional energy it requires. The fact that Torres is out winning Olympic swimming medals as I sit on my couch watching and eating potato chips, says everything! She is inspiring me to get up and MOVE!