Excuse me? Where is the closest gym?

Yeah you. Where is the closest gym or a pool or both because I have to get my flabby size 8 ass somewhere.

this is 41 year old Dara Torres. She is getting ready to compete in the swimming trials for the woman's 2008 olympic team. She's 41 by the way, did I mention that? and a mother of a 2 yr old little girl. If she wins a spot she will be she’ll be the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympics (despite sitting out 1996 and 2004). She’ll also be oldest female swimmer in the history of the Olympic games.

What does it take to have a body like this? well a killer instinct for one, her near 6 ft frame doesn't hurt either, not to mention the $100,000 a year from sponsors. And a team of people to help her get there who include: a head coach, a sprint coach, a strength coach, two stretchers, two masseuses, a chiropractor and a nanny.

In the vein of Lance Armstrong, she knows her body is a machine. She knows what it takes to make the machine faster and better. My inner athlete is jealous but I know that even with 100k I wouldn't be this person ever. I would find ways to spend it on more art supplies. That's why she's competing and I'm not. I'm routing for her though because I want a 41 year old to kick some serious 25 year old ass.

Such an inspiration.

Check out the full story which is great at The NY times


Image Robert Maxwell for NY Times.