BLACK SWAN
DO you want to know what’s more difficult than breaking two world records as a 99year-old at the Australian Swimming Trials?
Dealing with the instant fame that comes with being the 99-year-old who broke two world records at the Australian Swimming Trials.
“It’s a bit overwhelming,” says George Corones, the great-great grandfather who momentarily overshadowed the sport’s biggest names when he snared the records at last week’s pre-Commonwealth Games meet at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.
“It’s not so much the event. I probably would’ve jumped out (of the pool) with not too much trouble but I haven’t really had a minute to myself. It’s a bit over the top really … (the BBC in) London even gave us a ring the other night.
“But I know it’s inevitable you’ll want to do these stories and I’m happy to do what I can because it’s possibly encouragement to a lot of other people (to keep moving).”
In a world where people earn fame for marrying strangers on reality television, George’s appearance on the front page of the Bulletin this week was a welcome sight for many.
Here was a man being applauded for a real achievement – a couple of world records no less – at an age that so many never reach, let alone while continuing to churn through laps of their local pool.
“That’s just Dad,” says 70year-old Harry Corones, the eldest of George’s five children.
‘IF YOU DON’T MOVE YOU DROP DEAD’
“He’s always had drive and a lot of initiative.
“He bought a rundown house at the Sunshine Coast and renovated it.
“He bought a boat that was sunk and resurrected it to take us sailing for years.
“He drew the floor plan for his house and supervised the contractors who built it. He is who he is. He just gets on with it and probably drags us along with him. The Coroneses aren’t quitters. We hang in there.”
A Brisbanite but proud member of Twin Towns Services Masters Swimming Club,