Rick Collela - Our Olympic Athlete Ambassador
Sets FINA World Records
Rick Colella after setting his FINA records at the 4th Annual Bellevue Club Masters Mile, Jan 30, 2022
At age 71 on January 30th at the 4th Annual Bellevue Club Masters Mile, 2x Olympian Rick Colella set the FINA WORLD RECORDS in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m in the 70-74 age group. Rick’s overall time was 18.29.71 beating the 2019 record by 1:17.23!
As one of our SPLASHForward Olympian Ambassadors, Rick continues to remind us that you can achieve your dreams by inviting the possibility that they are possible and staying the course in pursuit of them.
It was incredible watching Rick set this record as he raced next to two fast swimmers that set the first and second fastest times of the day. They were three and four decades younger than him.
We asked Rick a few questions about his record-setting swim.
Interview with Rick Collela
Rick Colella touching the wall on his one mile swim at the 4th Annual Bellevue Club Masters Mile, Jan 30, 2022
What did setting the FINA World record in the 400, 800, and 1500 mean to you?
Mostly, it means I don’t have to do it again!! I’ve wanted to try for the 1500 record in this or my previous age group but it never worked out. I did do the 800 a couple years ago, but not the 1500. So to have the opportunity to do the 1500 (especially as the only race, see below) was really nice. Thanks to Bellevue Club for hosting this event!
How long has it been your goal?
Since turning 70, I’ve wanted the chance to try for these records. I swam in a meet in Dec and was able to get the 200 Free record but they didn’t have any of the longer races. When I heard about the Bellevue meet, I realized it was an opportunity to go for the 3 longer Freestyle records in one shot and decided to go for it.
So, how hard was it?
It was about what I expected, i.e. HARD!
I want to thank my coach Wade Praeger for designing workouts for the month of January specially to prepare for this event.
What was the most enjoyable or fun thing about competing at the BC Masters Mile?
Finishing! But seriously it was fun to see people at the meet and have a chance to do these races. The mile is tough and having it be the only race, one and done so to speak, is great. Not having other events or the next day to worry about was great.
What was your goal time coming into the event and did you hit your goal or surpass it?
My goal was to do about 4:48 at the 400 and 9:36 at the 800 and then be around 18:15, although I padded that a bit and entered 18:30. It’s been several years since I’ve done the mile and I wasn’t sure I could maintain the pace for the 2nd half. I pretty much hit those goal times and I’m very happy with that.
Were you thinking about the 27 year old Thomas Hutchinson swimming next to you and feeding off his pacing or were you focused on your own splits?
I mostly swam my own race, trying to maintain my pace and feel, knowing that I wanted to be out fast enough to break the 400 record but not too fast since there was still 1100 to go after that! At one point early on, I thought I might be able to close the gap some on Thomas after the first half, but he seemed to go faster and I slowed down a bit too in the last 400. I guess that’s what 40+ years is worth!!
Rick Colella during his one mile swim at the 4th Annual Bellevue Club Masters Mile, Jan 30, 2022
Will you try to beat your own mark next year? You have a few years before you age up.
NO! Maybe when I turn 75 I’ll try it again. Not sure? Charlotte Davis and I were talking about that afterwards. I told her I may wait until I’m 100 and try for Willard Lamb’s records!!
Rick Colella
2x Olympian and Masters FINA record holder
Rick Collela
1972, 1976 Olympian, Bronze Medalist, 200M Breaststroke
Masters champion 100 IM, 100 Free and National record holder 100 IM
*NEW* – FINA World Record holder 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m Freestyle in the 70-74 age group (2022)
