When CrossFit became an aggravation for Jerry Greer, at age 83, he jumped back in the pool for his fitness routine. He’d been an active swimmer in high school and during his time in the Marine Corps. Today, he’s in the pool five days a week, and swims 1500 yards.
Around the pool deck at Superior Athletic Club, Jerry and fellow Jacksonville resident Larry Jung talked about entering a meet, just to see how they’d do against others in their age group. Each signed up to participate in the Senior Games, held in Corvallis in September 2023. Larry had been a competitive swimmer at Monterey Peninsula College, a school well known for producing excellent swimmers. Locals know Larry best as the (now retired) minister of Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, where he served for decades.
The swim meet included swimmers of all shapes and sizes and ability levels. Jerry says, “You leave your ego at the locker room door…pride has no place here. Participants are in it for the sport.”
There were great swims and not-so-great ones. Larry Jung, 70, had a very good showing in the breaststroke, taking home three gold medals in the 70-75 age group.
The older the age group, the fewer the competitors…Jerry Greer took home four golds…placing him 5th in the nation in his age group. In 2024, both men plan to participate in the U.S. Masters National Swimming Championships in Indianapolis. Congratulations and good luck to these fine gentlemen for living their best lives!