May 13, 2008

AUSTIN, TEXAS - Sue Walsh, vice president of UNC's Educational Foundation, 1984 Patterson Medal Winner and four-year Tar Heel All-America women's swimmer, continues to excel at her chosen sport 24 years after her graduation from UNC.

Walsh, an 11-time national champion, represented the North Carolina Aquatic Club, at the 2008 United States Master's Short Course National Championships last week in Austin, Texas, in the process setting a world master's record for her age group in the 50-yard freestyle.

Walsh recorded first place finishes for the 45-49 age group in the 50-yard freestyle at 24 seconds flat (the new world record) while also taking top honors in the 100-yard backstroke at 1:00.90.

"It felt like a really good swim," said the never-aging Walsh. "But I'm always surprised by a good time. I've found that when I just focus on the swimming the good times seems to follow."

Walsh gave up competitive swimming following college and while she raised her three children. She returned to the water in 2004 as a master's competitor.

"My motivation has changed a bit over the years," says Walsh, who oversees UNC's endowment program with the Rams Club. "At first I went back to get into shape and stay in shape, just to stay fit. Then I got more interested in competing again, and now it's more of a balance between fitness and competition."

Walsh has three children -- Sarah, a junior at Carolina, Shelby, a junior at Jordan High, and Shawn, a sixth-grader at St. Thomas Moore.

Walsh also competed in two relays at the nationals with younger North Carolina Master's Swimmers.

"It was one of the most fun masters' meets I have ever attended," explained Walsh. "I saw several national teammates I have not seen in 25 years. That made it special."