yourfitnesswhy

Level 105 Unlocked: How “Mighty Mo” Is Rewriting Masters Swimming History

The aquatics world is witnessing history as Maurine Kornfeld, one of Masters Swimming’s most legendary names, unlocks an entirely new frontier in the pool. Competing at a Masters meet in California, the athlete affectionately known as “Mighty Mo” is officially racing in the unprecedented 105-109 age group. Though she doesn’t celebrate her 105th birthday until later this month on November 27, World Aquatics rules determine competition age based on the year an athlete was born, giving her an early entrance into this incredible new bracket.

Because neither US Masters Swimming nor World Aquatics currently recognizes any women’s short course meters records for the 105-109 division, every single event she legally finishes at the meet will instantly establish a brand new National and World Record—provided no other 105-year-old has raced this year without reporting their results.

Kornfeld’s resume is already beyond extraordinary. She has amassed an incredible 85 USMS Records, an astonishing 829 Top Ten achievements, and currently holds 10 World Records spanning the 95-99, 100-104, and now 105-109 age groups. She previously made waves in July of this year by becoming the first woman to set a Masters world record in the 105-109 long course category, conquering the 50-meter backstroke.

Her personal journey is just as inspiring as her medals. After learning to swim as a child in Montana, she stepped away from the water for over 60 years. She didn’t pick the sport back up until she was in her 60s, making her Masters debut in the 65-69 age group. Now, decades later, this International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame inductee continues to prove that the water is the ultimate fountain of youth.

Read more about this legendary swimmer and the historic California meet:

Leave a Reply