79 Year Old Synchronized Swimmer to take the Grand Canyon State Games APS Power Player Award

Synchronized Swimming’s Power Player

Our 2009 Power Player award went to 79 year old, Mary McBain. Mary started synchronized swimming at the age of 64 under the training of Sue Cox, Arizona Desert Gems. Mary has competed in almost every Grand Canyon State Games over the past 15 years. Mary has also competed in several US National Masters competitions and even competed in the World Master Synchronized Swimming Event in Italy in 2004 where she took 2^nd place with her solo. Mary has been an exemplary example to all of us of her courage, her sportsmanship, and her ability to do whatever one sets their mind to at any age.

Mary’s husband of 61 years passed away in February this year and he never missed one of Mary’s swimming performances. Mary asked if she could swim a solo in tribute to her late-husband at this year’s Grand Canyon State Games. Mary’s daughter, son in-law, son, daughter in-law, and grandchildren were all on deck for Mary’s final performance. She swam to her husband’s favorite song “Looking for the Eyes of Love”. Mary emerged from the Pool to a standing ovation and not a dry eye on the pool deck.

Synchronized Swimming is proud to have Mary McBain as our Power Player of the year and would like to thank Mary for her contributions to our sport.

Subscribe to your favorite Phoenix team or sport or Follow us on Twitter.

Tags: Arizona, Becky Thompson, desert dolphins, Laurie Stiff, Mary McBain, masters, swimming, synchro, synchronized swimming