The Louisville resident competed in her first meet Saturday, setting best times for her age bracket in the 50-meter and 100-meter backstroke and competing in a medley relay.
Kowalski didn’t learn to swim until she was almost 40 because she was afraid of the water.
Now, she swims two or three times a week in the summertime, usually completing 15 laps, or 30 lengths, of the pool.
Mary Graves, the general manager of Lakeside Swim Club and deck coach for the Lakeside Masters Swim Team, called Kowalski inspiring.
As for next year, Kowalski said she hopes to compete if she’s able.
In addition to swimming, Kowalski enjoys gourmet cooking, morning yoga and showing off her “wicked” Scrabble skills.
Since she joined a Thursday afternoon game, more and more people have shown up to play and now there are often three tables going at once. »