PHOENIX, Arizona, January 12. SPAIN'S Rosa Sallares celebrated her 100th birthday in grand fashion last week, setting a new FINA Masters world record in the 50 backstroke.
Sallares, who turned 100 on Friday, swam a 3:56.60 at a short course meters meet in Spain the day after her birthday. Her swim marks the first time a woman 100 years old or older has competed in a Masters short course meters competition in any event, according to FINA records. She is not the only centenarian actively competing in Masters swimming. Eight months ago, Jaring Timmerman of Canada set four world records in the men's 100-104 age group to become the one of the oldest FINA Masters world record holders in history.
Sallares also holds the Masters world record in the 50 long course breaststroke in the 95-99 age group with a 4:20.32.