85-year-old swimmer set to break national, provincial records

An 85 year old quintuple bypass survivor, Christopher Smith, is now one of the top-ranked swimmers in the province in his age group, poised to set several records.

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Or read an excerpt of Azzura Lalani's article below:

Octogenarian swimmer still breaking Canadian, Ontario records
At almost 85 years old, Chris Smith holds dozens of Canadian and Ontario swimming records and he’s showing no signs of stopping

At an age when most retirees are enjoying their golden years splayed out on a beach sunning themselves, 84-year-old Christopher Smith is still making waves — at the pool, that is.

Earlier this month, at a swim meet in Buffalo, N.Y., Smith swam four events: the 200 yard fly, 400 yard IM, the 50 yard and 100 yard free.

All were Ontario records.

Smith holds dozens of Canadian and Ontarian swimming records and has broken around 70 Ontario records in his lifetime. It’s a remarkable achievement for anyone in their 80s, but Smith’s is particularly impressive because just over two years ago he survived a quintuple bypass surgery.

“I was the oldest person in the (hospital) ward. I was 83 and I seemed to be recovering faster than everyone else,” recalled Smith from his home in North York.

The spry octogenarian with a full head of white hair, a white beard and bright blue eyes moves constantly as he speaks, tapping his feet and gesturing with his hands.

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