Fast lane living at 85: Medalist’s ultimate goal is not the podium_nations league volleyball
Fast lane living at 85: Medalist’s ultimate goal is nations league volleyballnot the podium
By ARISA INABA/ Staff Writer
July 18, 2024 at 07:00 JST
- Share
- Tweet list
Fusae Maruyama initially began swimming at Saginuma Swimming Club Miyamaedaira in Kawasaki’s Miyamae Ward for physical training after a motorbike accident. (Arisa Inaba)
Fusae Maruyama is not your conventional athlete, but neither is wearing makeup to accentuate a cap and goggles. Most 85-year-olds also don’t rock silver nails.
This past February, Maruyama competed at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Doha, Qatar, where she placed second in backstroke.
She also competed in other events, including the individual medley and butterfly.
Maruyama didn’t start swimming competitively until she was well into adulthood, but she has always been something of a jock.
She said she did not study much during her elementary school days and instead devoted herself to sports.
However, she went on to become a hairdresser after graduating from beauty school.
It was breaking her collarbone in a motorbike accident after turning 40 that got her into the sport. Some of her physical therapy took place at Saginuma Swimming Club Miyamaedaira in Kawasaki’s Miyamae Ward where she lives.
This marked the beginning of her “swimming life.”
Maruyama started out with the doggy paddle, quickly refined her skills and progressed through beginner and intermediate levels to advanced.
After winning first place at a local swim meet, she was hooked.
“I sleep like a dog on the days I swim,” she said with a smile. “I go back to sleep in the morning sometimes.”
SWIMMING’S APPEAL
Maruyama has lost count of how many medals she’s racked up.
They were originally displayed in her kitchen, but the lack of space meant adding some to her bedroom. Every time she sees the results of her efforts, she feels “how great swimming is.”
It’s not just the feeling of victory, but how accessible the sport is.
She recalls trying to ski and the hurdles bundled with it. “If they lose sight of their companions, skierscan go missing in mountains,” she said. “They have to buy a set of dedicated gear as well.”
In contrast, Maruyama said swimming only requires swimwear, goggles and a cap.
“My feet can touch the pool floor,” she said. “Coaches always stay nearby to eliminate any danger. Anyone can casually start the sport.”
She currently swims four days a week and stretches every day. In a 50-minute class, she covers 1,500 meters.
“Working hard can exhaust me so I sometimes skimp on practice,” said Maruyama, grinning.
She may be mischievous, but the swimmer also has a one-on-one training session to build muscle every Tuesday.
“I am converting my fat into muscle,” said Maruyama while tapping her abs.
SURPASSING A LEGEND
Her current goal is to surpass the late senior swimming legend Mieko Nagaoka, who began the sport at 80 and continued until she was 106.
“I must retain my health above all else until I become a centenarian,” said Maruyama. “Exercise, rest and nutrition will be important.”
Her energetic training approach has inspired other members at her pool.
The club touts itself as providing a place for “people between 0 and 100 years old to swim.”
This is not too far from the truth: the 1,870 members range in age from 0 to 90. And 120 swimmers are in their 60s or older.
“I will keep on swimming until I turn 100,” said Maruyama, thrusting her fist forward with a determined smile.
相关文章
- 【仙ペン】「ライオン丸」と迫る猛虎2024年9月19日 6時0分スポーツ報知◆JERAセ・リーグ巨人2―2DeNA=延長12回=18日・東京ドーム)巨人90年の歴史で、わずかに4人だけ。これはもう正真2024-09-20
井上温大「高いなっ!」同期堀田賢慎と4万円のお買い物 「ザ・弟キャラ」23歳自身5連勝で7勝
井上温大「高いなっ!」同期堀田賢慎と4万円のお買い物「ザ・弟キャラ」23歳自身5連勝で7勝2024年8月25日 5時10分スポーツ報知◆JERAセ・リーグ巨人6―2中日24日・東京ドーム)バットが空を2024-09-20史上2人のみ ボンズもロドリゲスも逃した40―40&MVPへのハードル
史上2人のみボンズもロドリゲスも逃した40―40&MVPへのハードル2024年8月25日 4時30分スポーツ報知◆米大リーグドジャース7x―3レイズ23日、米カリフォルニア州ロサンゼルス=ドジャースタ2024-09-20- 松末の日曜注目馬【札幌11R・キーンランドC】2024年8月24日 21時0分スポーツ報知【札幌11R】もう同じ轍てつ)は踏まない。昨年、ナムラクレアの雰囲気が抜群だったにもかかわらず馬券的な思惑が働2024-09-20
「高杉さん家のおべんとう」主題歌はNEWS 市川由衣、大原優乃ら追加キャスト解禁(コメントあり)
ドラマ「高杉さん家のおべんとう」出演キャスト。大きなサイズで見る全5件)10月2日放送開始の「高杉さん家のおべんとう」。「あっちむいてほい」は、NEWSにとって500曲目のアニバーサリー楽曲で、書き下2024-09-20【広島】新井監督「ちょっと大きな1勝かなと思う」僅差で阪神を制して巨人に2差キープ/一問一答
【広島】新井監督「ちょっと大きな1勝かなと思う」僅差で阪神を制して巨人に2差キープ/一問一答2024年8月24日 22時25分スポーツ報知◆JERAセ・リーグ広島2―1阪神24日・マツダスタジアム)広2024-09-20
最新评论