Bratton bringing the gold

However, having turned 71 yesterday, Yass resident Joan Bratton is three years into her renewed swimming career and loving it. 

Ms Bratton began swimming “very early” in her life, however she took a 50 year hiatus as a young woman to raise her family and work. 

“Getting to the pool was a bit awkward because I swim in Canberra,” Ms Bratton said. 

“I had a family to raise, so I couldn’t get to the pool in the morning or in the afternoons.

“It wasn’t until the family had sort of moved into their own life that I was able to get back into swimming.” 

But three years ago, Ms Bratton decided that the time was right to start competing again. 

However, the comeback trail was not easy for her. 

“It took me at least 12 months to get fitness up, and that was the main concern,” Ms Bratton said. 

“It’s not back where it was of course, when I was 16.” 

And since then, medals have flowed thick and fast for the septuagenarian. 

At the last Australian Masters Games in Launceston from October 21-28, Ms Bratton won six medals; four in the individual races and two in the relay. 

Despite all of her success at the games, Ms Bratton maintained that it was not about competing against the other swimmers, but against herself. 

“When we compete, we don’t actually compete against each other. We really compete against ourselves, trying to improve ourselves,” she said. 

“We’re all friends [when they swim].” 

However, the competition and friendships are not the only aspects of swimming which drive Ms Bratton. 

She is also keenly aware of the health aspect of swimming and how important it is to maintain a level of physical activity as you age. 

“It’s necessary for old people to get back in the water and do a bit of swimming because it’s easier on the body, [and] it doesn’t take as much out of you,” Ms Bratton. 

Ms Bratton saw an example of the benefits of swimming for older people just last weekend. 

“On the weekend, I swam with another woman, and she was 90.

“I kept up with her, she didn’t keep up with me. There’s a lot of people that age that are swimming, and it’s marvelous to watch them.

“I’m in awe of them, actually.” 

Seeing this woman swim reminded Ms Bratton about why she continues to participate in the sport. 

“That’s why I do it, to keep fit and not put so much strain on my body,” she said. 

The only obstacle to her swimming goals so far, according to Ms Bratton, is finding the time to swim. 

“Even though I’ve retired, I’ve still got to organise time because I am still going into Canberra,” she said.