Just Keep Swimming
by Jill Cousins
Swimming laps was something Oviedo resident Judy Behrman could always do effortlessly. As a young woman in the early 1960s, she was a Big Ten record-holder at Michigan State University. Years later, for exercise, she could easily swim 60 laps at a time at the University of Central Florida pool. And in her senior years, Judy won several medals in 50-and-over competitions at the state, regional, and national level.
So when Judy’s sister Chrissy Bodmer asked if she’d like to join her at the United States Spring Masters Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana, Judy assumed it would be no problem – even though Judy hadn’t been swimming competitively since she won a bronze medal in the 50-yard freestyle at the 2015 National Senior Games at age 72.
Now a youthful-looking 81 years old, Judy was shocked at how difficult it was for her to get back into top form in the pool.
“Before, if I hadn’t swam in five or six months, I could still swim like a champion,” says Judy. “But this time, after two or three laps, I felt like I was going to die. It was such an extreme difference. I thought, I can’t do this anymore. It was really, really bad.”
Though Judy had not been swimming regularly in recent years, she’d remained physically active – playing tennis, taking five-mile walks with friends, or cycling 20 miles on local trails. That’s why Judy was surprised that she had such difficulties when she started training for Spring Nationals.
Judy, who has battled neuropathy and other health issues for several years, had trouble with her breathing in the pool and also struggled with her turns and starts.
“This time I felt older,” says Judy. “I’ve talked to women who’ve gone through the decade from their 70s to 80s, and they say of all the decades, that’s the biggest decline. I refuse to accept that. I say, ‘No!’ Maybe you will slow down a little bit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build it back up. You just have to work harder at it.”
Diving Right Back In
Judy persisted, training several days a week at the Oviedo Aquatic Facility for the next five months, and her persistence paid off. In June at Spring Nationals, Judy and Chrissy, 71, each won three medals in their age division. Judy took third place in the 50-yard breaststroke, fourth in the 50 backstroke, and fifth in the 50 freestyle in the 80-84 age group.
“It was exhilarating,” says Judy. “It gave me the opportunity to have a benchmark. Now I know where I can improve, and I know what to expect. I’m looking forward to more meets. I hope to do at least three or four a year now.”
Judy’s time in Indianapolis with Chrissy, who lives in Colorado, was thrilling – and not just in the pool. The sisters also made time to take in an Indiana Fever WNBA game to see superstar Caitlin Clark in action and spent time at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, which were being held nearby at Lucas Oil Stadium – home of the Indianapolis Colts football team.
Because Judy’s niece Shana Ferguson is a top executive with USA Swimming, Judy and Chrissy had the opportunity to catch a few events at the Trials and even had their photo snapped by an NBC cameraman while they were visiting Shana in one of the stadium’s suites.
“I felt like I was a college swimmer again,” says Judy. “It was totally motivating for me. I believe you should never give up. If there’s something you’re passionate about, just get back into it and do it!”
In addition to swimming and fitness, Judy is also passionate about her family, which includes two sons and five grandchildren. She recently traveled to Europe with grandson Daniel, 17, and is now training for her next national meet in November in North Carolina.
“I know what I need to do now, and I know I can get better and better with each meet,” says Judy. “And it’s a really great feeling.”