Episode 31 - Dave Radcliff - one of the world's most successful Masters swimmers on how to "use it or lose it"

May 18, 2023

Dave Radcliff, a 1956 Olympian and multiple Masters swimming world record holder, shares inspiring insights on keeping fit and positive through swimming. He discusses his remarkable journey, from Olympic dreams to becoming a Masters swimming Hall of Fame inductee, and how he embraces challenges like ALS. Dave emphasizes the 'use it or lose it' philosophy, celebrating swimming as a joyful community activity that fosters resilience and camaraderie. His perspective encourages all ages to find happiness in staying active and connected through the sport.

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ANECDOTE

Dave's Swimming Journey

Dave Radcliff's swimming defined his retirement and continues to bring him joy despite health challenges.
He believes in "use it or lose it," feeling like his old self when swimming regularly.

ANECDOTE

Racing Memories in Perth

Barry Eves recalls racing against Dave Radcliff in Perth; Dave would come along and beat him unexpectedly.
Dave is fond of open water swims in Perth and has competed in several local events including at Rottnest Island.

ADVICE

Swimming Routine Matters

Maintain a consistent swimming schedule for physical and mental health, adapting to your pace.
Swimming alone can be effective, but interaction with other swimmers aids motivation.

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Last week – when I flooded everyone’s inbox with news that Swim Smooth was back (sorry, not sorry – as the kids say!), a gentleman from Oregon in the USA reached out to who informed me he’d just turned 89 years old the week before and that swimming was what was keeping him going in later life. He described his life in three parts:

1. His youth was the first third, he said, when he was very successful in both the pool and open water. This time included the dream of most all athletes, to be a member of the US Olympic team. He swam the 1500 in the Melbourne Games in 1956.

2. The second third would be his Masters Swimming in both the pool and open water. During this third he was honoured with an introduction into the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame.

3. The final third is now, Dave said – dealing with the likely diagnosis of a rare neurological condition called ALS. Wikipedia states that, ALS or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a rare neurological disease that affects motor neurons—those nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. Voluntary muscles are those we choose to move to produce movements like chewing, walking, and talking.

Despite these challenges, Dave says that when he swims he tries to be Smooth and steady. He says, he’s not fast but he feels smooth and comfortable and that it is still a great feeling to just get in and try to glide through the water. Swimming has enabled Dave to keep a certain level of fitness. Mentally it is keeping him active with a positive attitude about life. So Smooth Swimming is a must for me, Dave says.

Dave Radcliff from Oregon in the USA, a 1956 Olympian and someone who has held every master’s swimming world record from 50m to 1500m freestyle for the 75-79 and 80-84 age groups, when he returned to swimming in 1995 at the age of 61. Dave’s 1500m freestyle World Record time at age 80 was 22:16.90, only 3 minutes slower than his time in the 1956 Olympics.

He’s here today to talk to you about the importance of using it, or losing it! Enjoy!

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