Kevin's journey with swimming began when he was about 10 years old. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he competed in swim meets at his local Community Club in his hometown of Turnersville, New Jersey. He loved swimming and diving so much that when he attended the U.S. Naval Academy, he qualified for the freshman-level (Plebe) diving team.
However, as Kevin moved through his 20-year military career, his passion for swimming began to fade. The demands of his job and life changes led him to lose his competitive drive and gain some unwanted weight. By the time he reached 190 pounds, he was heavier than he'd ever been. In an attempt to stay active, Kevin tried running while working at the Pentagon, but the constant impact began to take a toll on his knees.
In 2013, Kevin and his wife Virginia made a big decision to move from Fairfax, Virginia, to Fishers, Indiana, to be closer to their son and his family. Seven years later, in 2020, Kevin retired from his second career as a consultant. At that point, he knew it was time to focus on his health. A nagging pain in his lower abdomen had become unbearable, and the treatments his doctor performed were not providing any relief.
After some physical therapy, Kevin decided to join his wife, Virginia, at the Fishers YMCA, where he began swimming again, taking it slow at first. He started by swimming a few lengths each day, and within two weeks, he had built up to swimming 40- 60 lengths. A few weeks later, he was swimming 80 lengths, or 2,000 yards! Kevin was proud of his progress, but then something happened that reignited his competitive spirit.
One day, while swimming, he asked another “Y” swimmer, named Mike, who was in the lane next to him, how many yards he had swum. Mike casually replied, "4,000 yards." Kevin was stunned. "That’s 160 lengths!" he thought to himself. In that moment, the competitive Kevin was back.
Six months later, Kevin was swimming 180 lengths — that’s 4,500 yards, or 2.55 miles, nonstop! Not only had he regained his love for swimming, but he had also lost 40 pounds, and the pain in his lower abdomen had disappeared and he felt better than ever before.
Today, Kevin is 69 years old, fit, healthy, and weighs just 155 pounds. He’s enjoying all the things that retirement has to offer, and when asked what advice he would give to someone looking to start their own fitness journey, he shares three simple but powerful tips:
- Choose an activity you enjoy – It's easier to stick with something you love
- Gradually build up to your comfort level and goals – Don’t rush; progress will come with time.
- Listen to your body and don't overdo it – Take it slow and steady to avoid burnout or injury.
Kevin also speaks fondly of the early mornings he spends at the YMCA. He is part of a small group of six or seven early risers who meet before the doors even open. Albeit a short interlude (15 minutes or so) this group has become a close-knit squad, bonding over everything from family updates to local news and politics. For Kevin, these morning gatherings have become as important as the workouts themselves. They offer support, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging that goes beyond just physical fitness.
Kevin is especially grateful for the YMCA because of its Christian-based mission. He feels that God led him to the Fishers YMCA and has been inspired by the work the organization does in the community. He is particularly appreciative of the financial assistance program, which helps make memberships accessible to everyone. With its welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices, and access to pools, Kevin believes the YMCA is truly a hidden treasure.
Kevin’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reclaim your health. Through swimming, he has not only improved his physical well-being but also found a supportive community that motivates him to keep going. If you’re thinking about starting your own fitness journey, take it from Kevin: find something you enjoy, take it one step at a time, and don’t forget to enjoy the process.
