71 Years Strong: World Records, Open Water, and Lifelong Swimming with Nancy Steadman Martin | Ep 20

Описание: What does a lifetime in the water really look like?
In this powerful episode of Swim Stories Unplugged, host Hetal Sampat sits down with Nancy Steadman Martin—a world-record-holding Masters swimmer, open water athlete, lawyer, educator, and lifelong competitor who continues to break records and set new goals at 71 years old.
Nancy began swimming as a toddler, raised by parents deeply rooted in the sport, and has carried swimming with her through every stage of life. Today, she still holds world records, competes nationally and internationally, swims open water across iconic locations, and dreams of racing well into her 80s and 90s.
In this episode, Nancy shares:
How swimming became her lifelong identity
Competing—and thriving—at 71 years old
Recovering from lung surgery and returning to the water
Why community matters more than medals
The story behind the Mighty Mermaids open water relay team
Lessons swimming teaches about resilience, aging, and belonging
Why the true win is simply being able to step onto the pool deck

For host Hetal Sampat, an adult-onset Masters swimmer, this conversation is deeply personal—offering a glimpse into what is possible when swimming becomes a lifelong companion rather than a phase.
This episode is for Masters swimmers, open water swimmers, adult learners, coaches, and anyone who believes it’s never too late to start—or continue—doing what you love.
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