Chris Smith, a tenth-generation American with a lifelong passion for swimming, has made waves in the world of Masters swimming.

We caught up with Chris to discuss his experiences as the oldest swimmer at the IMGA Pan-American Games in Cleveland, his impressive achievements, and his advice for those considering pursuing Masters sports.

Can you give us a little introduction about yourself and your favourite sport?

I’m a tenth-generation American, originally from Bermuda, where my love for swimming began at age four. After moving to Canada, I continued swimming competitively and later pursued water polo and scuba diving. My career as an architect kept me busy, but I returned to the pool in the 1980s and  started competing again in 1990.

I became heavily involved in Masters swimming. I’ve served on the boards of Masters Swimming Ontario, Masters Swimming Canada, and the Ontario Swimming Officials Association, and even helped establish Masters swimming in Bermuda and the Caribbean.

Since 2017, I’ve participated in 40 major competitions, winning gold in all of them. Even at 90, I swim almost every day, enjoying the camaraderie and staying active.

You were the oldest swimming competitor at the recent IMGA Pan-American Games in Cleveland – how does it feel to have such an achievement?

I have now been the “oldest at the meet” several times. I have not had more than two competitors in an event, both at USMS Nationals I think, Richmond and Sarasota, since turning 90.

What has been the key to sustaining your love of playing of sport until now?

I find the health impact is significant. I have a very easy relaxed stroke, great for long distance, also no gravitational pain.

I have many friends I swim with, many folks I know at meets, including in Cleveland.

Did you enjoy yourself at the Games?

Certainly did. I was with three good friends, met several others there.

Any career highlights/favourite moments/greatest achievement?

I think I more than covered that at the start! I am slowing down now, so I’m not as fast as I was at 90. I have 100% of the Ontario records in all three pool lengths and about 60% of the Canadian Records, 90 – 94.

I still have many records in younger age groups too.

How important is playing sport to your health and mental wellbeing?

It is 100% essential, I have seen many examples of why this is over the years. One example was a friend who was a surgeon. He did not do anything other than surgery, even so he looked quite fit.

He was required to retire at 70. He then sat and watched TV. He died about nine months later.

What is your advice to anyone considering pursuing masters sport?

Training and getting involved in competitions is clearly good for your health. Some sports such as swimming, are clearly better for many people as they age compared to other sports such as contact sports and running.

I would recommend swimming over other sports for older adults.

What was your favourite part of attending the Pan-American Games in Cleveland?

I think hanging out by the pool, chatting with friends, competing were my favourites. A bunch of us went for lunch at a great restaurant down by the river, just relaxed for a couple of hours there, it was great.