MARY SCHWEM
Mary Schwem’s connection to swimming began at a young age. She was an active swimmer until the age of ten and took diving lessons from a former Olympic coach in Tennessee. After moving away from Tennessee, swimming became a less frequent activity, but her love for the water never fully disappeared.
Returning to the Pool
In 2007, Mary underwent her first total knee replacement, followed by a second two years later. Just six weeks after her first surgery, she began taking water aerobics, which helped keep her knees moving and rekindled her passion for water activity. After her second knee replacement, Mary became certified to teach water aerobics for seniors and individuals with arthritis and taught classes for two years.
In 2014, Mary started water exercise classes at Laramie County Community College with instructor Olga Craig. After retiring from a 25-year career in higher education administration at Lesley University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, she began adult swimming lessons with Olga. Mary worked hard to relearn breathing techniques and improve her form, swimming four days a week and steadily gaining confidence and skill.
Wyoming Senior Olympics Success
In 2019, Mary and her fellow swimmers—known as the Dauntless Dolphins—signed up to compete in the Wyoming Summer Senior Olympics in Laramie. Nervous but excited, Mary earned her first bronze medal in the backstroke. That first medal was the most meaningful, proving to herself that she could compete.
Since then, Mary has earned several gold, silver, and bronze medals in backstroke events. To maintain her strength and continue improving, she swims twice a week for two hours and attends senior fitness classes three times a week.
Life Beyond the Pool
Outside of swimming, Mary stays actively involved in her community. She is a Master Gardener in Laramie County and serves as secretary of the Rotary Club of Cheyenne. Mary encourages seniors to find an activity they enjoy and stick with it. Her story is proof that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can achieve new goals—at any age.
