One. Two. Three. Four.
That’s the number of times 80-year-old Madeleine Sévigny Lanthier was crowned world champion in the 80-84 age group at the FINA World Masters Swimming Championships in Japan in early August.
“Naturally, I went there with the intention of doing my best,” says the Lac-Labelle resident on the line. I did pretty much my best times, give or take a few seconds. I am very proud. »
The octogenarian speaks to us on Wednesday, the day after returning from Japan, where she spent 11 days with her daughter after the competition. “As long as we got this far, we figured we better try to enjoy it a little bit!” “, she says.
It must be said that she had well deserved a few days of vacation, after her sensational results.
Ms. Sévigny Lanthier won her four titles in the 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle. In the first two, she broke the World Championship record with times of 1min 27.82s and 37.03s respectively.
“My 400 meters, I swam on my birthday, August 11. And the 100 meters, August 7, was our wedding anniversary: 52 years! “, notes the friendly lady.
Ms. Sévigny Lanthier notably finished the 100 meters more than 20 seconds ahead of her opponents. When asked what explains this big gap between the other participants and her, the main interested party hesitates.
” I can not tell you ! There is no answer to that! It’s natural ! »
By her side, her husband has the answer: “Because she’s good!” »
In Japan, the Quebecer’s performances turned heads… of her opponents! It was not the swimmer herself who told us this, but her daughter, Marie-Hélène, who accompanied her.
“To them, I’m a machine!” laughs Mrs. Sévigny Lanthier. It was super nice. My teammates were nice. »
Knowing what it feels like to be an inspiration to some, the lady lets out another hearty laugh. “Let’s say I say to myself: if I can do it, they can do it too! »
Mrs. Sévigny Lanthier appreciated her experience, especially since she shared it with one of her three daughters. She also had peace of mind while her spouse was home alone…
“My other two daughters were in charge of coming to make meals for my husband,” she says. I left some, but my other two daughters’ cooking is better than mine! »
Again, her husband’s voice sounded in the background: “No!” »
Madeleine Sévigny Lanthier is a real sportswoman. In the winter, she enjoys skiing. In the summer, she practices water skiing, cycling and tennis. Swimming is the only sport she can indulge in all seasons.
The octogenarian swam as a teenager, before focusing on his career and starting a family. It was in 2016, when the Mont-Tremblant swimming pool opened its doors, that she put on her cap again and joined a group to compete. The following year, she took part in her first World Championships, in Budapest. She won two medals there: a silver and a bronze.
This year, she received financial support from various sponsors in order to be able to afford a second participation in the competition.
And let’s say it was worth it.
Now, the four-time world champion plans to give herself “a little break”… before returning to training. Because she has no intention of stopping!
“My goals are to go for even better times, to improve my records. I will surely continue. In 2025, the World Championships are in Singapore! We’ll see ! »