By Rohith Nair
PARIS (Reuters) – Katarzyna Wasick may be the oldest swimmer to qualify for the women’s 50 metres freestyle semi-finals on Saturday but the Polish athlete who is competing at her fifth Olympics said her age is an advantage in the pool over the shortest distance.
Wasick first represented Poland at the 2008 Beijing Games and has since competed in London, Rio and Tokyo before arriving in Paris with one of the fastest times in the 50 freestyle.
The 32-year-old has won silvers in the event at world championships but is seeking her first Olympic medal and set herself up for a potential podium when she was second-fastest in the heats, behind only world record holder Sarah Sjoestroem.
“I think in the 50, especially in this event, you just have to be patient. After every Olympics I came back home with some experience,” Wasick said.
“We could see in the men’s 50 that the podium was among older swimmers (the youngest medallist was 29), older for swimmers that were here.
“(Being in your) thirties is not old, that’s just something that we created. But being in your thirties means you’re strong. You’re the strongest and (more) experienced. So why not use that to your advantage?”
Wasick said the crowd at La Defense Arena also plays its part with the stadium seeing great turnouts every day – a far cry from Tokyo where fans were not allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Having full stands and a crowd cheering, feeling the energy, that’s incredible,” she said.
“This is my fifth Olympics, so obviously there is a big contrast because Tokyo was a pandemic Olympics and we didn’t have crowds. So going into Paris and having full stands and an incredible audience, it’s amazing.”
At 32, most swimmers are nearing the end of their careers but Wasick has no plans to retire and her love for the pool keeps her going.
“I just love it. I love the sport, I love doing it and as long as I stay healthy, I’m going to keep going,” she said.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Paris; Editing by Ken Ferris)
