Faribault’s Robin Kleffman is no stranger to swimming, as he has won several awards and made several trips to the United States Masters Swimming National Championships. But this year was extra special for him, as he was joined by his brother Roger.
76-year-old Robin and 90-year-old Roger went to the 2024 United States Masters Spring Swimming Championship that took place in Indianapolis from June 20-24. The brothers both swam competitively in high school and while Robin swam in his 20s and started to compete again in his late 60s, Roger hadn’t swam since 1952.
Roger last competed in swimming over 70 years ago as part of the Hibbing High School state championship team, and while he didn’t swim competitively until this year, he was still very much active as an adult.
He was a marathon runner and an active bicyclist for many years until health issues made him take a step back. In 2017, he had open heart surgery after having three blocked arteries, and in 2021, he had a pacemaker installed.
“Biking wasn’t an option for him anymore,” Robin said about Roger.
Roger, who resides right outside of Chicago, wanted to find a reasonable activity that would keep him active. He decided on swimming and competing in the sport once again like his brother.
Roger started training last January for the United States Masters Spring Swimming Championship this June. The competition was one of the largest Master swim meets ever held, with over 2,300 competitors from around the country and from other countries around the world.
Roger did not miss a beat from his younger days swimming competitively, as he is now the 2024 national champion in the 50 yard breaststroke in the 90-94 age group. He also placed second in the 50, 100, and 200 yard freestyle events and second in the 100 yard breaststroke.
At 90 years old and not swimming competitively for over 70 years, Roger still had it in him.
“Everybody at the competition was impressed that he was able to swim that well at his age,” Robin said about his brother.
As for Robin, he also had an impressive showing at the competition in Indianapolis, as he won the national championship in the 200 yard butterfly in the 75-79 age group. He also placed second in the 200 yard backstroke, third in the 50 and 100 yard butterfly, fifth in the 50 yard breaststroke, and fifth in the 100 yard individual medley.
Robin also was a part of two Minnesota relays that placed second in the 75 and older age group with a 200 yard freestyle relay and a 200 yard medley relay.
Robin, like his brother, swam {span}competitively{/span} in high school and even swam in his 20s, 30s, and 40s as well. After focusing on operating a bed and breakfast near Red Wing, he decided to get back into the water in his 60’s. He moved to Faribault seven years ago and since then, he has spent his time swimming and training for various masters swimming competition.
Robin shows no trace of slowing down as he continues his passion for the sport, which is something that he relayed back over to his brother.
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