Local swimmer ranked top five worldwide

By Bill Sterling

Laura Walker of Pungoteague followed the swimming portion of the recently completed 2024 Olympics in Paris with more interest than most viewers.  Largely, because she is a world class swimmer herself, currently ranked in the top five for two events – now third in the 200 meter backstroke and fifth in the 100 meter backstroke for women 85 to 89.

Furthermore, current rankings have her second in the United States Masters in the 50 meter freestyle and second in the  50 meter backstroke for her age group.

Walker, 86, who did not start swimming competitively until she was 55, was a member of a relay team in her 70s that set world records in three events.

Pictured are some of the swimming medals and ribbons Laura Walker has amassed in over 30 years of competitive swimming.

Walker began swimming with no intention of setting records. “Swimming was a good release for me and helped me so much mentally and physically. Then I met so many great people of all ages who encouraged me to swim competitively.”

Walker, who swims at the local YMCA on a regular basis, has continued to swim for 30 years now despite a rotator cuff injury, a broken hip and back problems. “Swimming has helped me heal with everything I’ve dealt with,” said Walker, who did not require surgery  for her rotator cuff injury.

Walker has traveled to California, Texas and Indianapolis to compete in national swim meets, but her worldwide rankings in the 85-89 age group stem from times compiled by the World Aquatics Masters organization by recording times from swims completed at sanctioned pools.