KarunaNews Story

Since Betty Brussel took up competitive swimming after retiring in 1982, she has won hundreds of medals — and just broke three world records in her age group, including the 400-meter freestyle, 50-meter breaststroke, and 50-meter backstroke. Brussel, who is turning 100 in July, came to Canada from the Netherlands with her husband in 1959 and raised three children, who are now 70, 72 and 74. For more than 30 years, she has competed in scores of contests in Canada and elsewhere. Her family — including her granddaughter, great-granddaughter and four step-grandchildren — often attend her meets to cheer her on. Filmmaker Hannah Walsh, 27, who swam competitively in college, is now producing a documentary film about Brussel. "There needs to be more stories about people like Betty," Walsh said. "She's an inspiration."