US Masters Nationals began on Wednesday in Minneapolis, and 95-year old Willard “Wink” Lamb wasted no time obliterating a record that had been in place since 1999.
In the first event of the meet, the 1500 LCM free, Lamb broke the previous age 95-99 world record by over ten minutes with his time of 37:06.82. Better yet? He set national records along the way at the 100, 200, 400, and 800 marks. His 200, 400, and 800 were also world records. Here’s the “sweep” breakdown:
| Distance | Time | Record Status |
| 100 | 2:03:56 | National Record |
| 200 | 4:21:57 | National & World Record |
| 400 | 9:11:20 | National & World Record |
| 800 | 19:20.86 | National & World Record |
| 1500 | 37:06.32 | National & World Record |
Lamb clearly went in with a game plan: after taking his first five 100s out under 2:30, he settled in with remarkably steady 2:31s and 2:32s before bringing his last 100 home in a 2:24.83.
His sweep is reminiscent of Laura Val’s epic record-breaking swims. In 2011, she broke the 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500 masters world records for the 60-64 age group in one swim. In 2016, she broke the ages 65-69 records in the 200, 400, 800, and 1500.
As for his current workout routine, Lamb works out in a 32-yard pool. Monday-Thursday he swims 14 laps of freestyle, then 16 more, then 14 again, then finally another 16 laps with 30 second breaks in-between segments for a total of 60 laps. On Fridays, he swims 60 laps of freestyle straight through. He follows that up with a six backstroke, then two laps of sprint free with 30 seconds rest in-between, then two more cool-down. The whole workout takes him about 50 minutes, and he’s kept up this routine for the past five years.
A member of Oregon Masters Swimming, Lamb swam in high school then fought in World War II. He was a member of the famed 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
Congrats, Willard! We can all only hope to be in as great shape when we’re pushing a century.
Awesome!!
Congratulations to Willard! It proves that life does not end when one turns 60, 70 or even 90!
Fabulous! Congratulations to Willard. Proves that life does not end at 50 or 60!
Congrats for an awesome feat
Five national and four world records in one swim? What an incredible feat! And to have fought for all of us in World War II? An even greater feat! THANK YOU does not say enough, Willard “Wink” Lamb. You sir, are a true hero and an incredible inspiration! Congratulations.
Fantastic job, I’m sharing with every couch potatoe I know !!
Absolutely incredible and inspiring!
A true role model for aging and for service to his country. This man is a special brand of tough guy from the greatest generation of Americans. Thank you for your service and for being a shining example of health Mr. Lamb.