Profiling Regan Kenner

Regan Kenner will age up to 75 on Dec. 11, 1998. Regan grew up in England and received her first swim lesson from her father at an outdoor pool, in October, when she was almost five years old. She pursued swimming at a Women's Swim Club as a diver, then competed in backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle from ages 9 to15.

She moved to the United States in 1946 after WWII. At 63, she competed in her first Masters meet in St. Louis. Leo Letrendre, the coach and meet director, observed her swimming the 200-yard breast, and said, “Let’s get three timers on that swimmer. It might be a record.” As a breaststroker, he recognized superior talent, and she did set a national record.

As she ages up, shortly, she is setting goals for the SCY season. Kenner set three FINA age world records at LCM Nationals this past August, in her breaststroke events. Her 200-meter breast was her most outstanding swim, as she broke Betty Christian's record by over nine seconds. She also has back and breast record setting goals for SCM, at a December meet. With limited pool time, however, she's not in top shape. She's also world class in the back events, and wins those two years before Doris Steadman ages up. Good luck from the Mavericks!

In 1993, Kenner had 12 first places in the Top Ten, and had the honor of being chosen USMS All Star for the 70-74 age group.

Regan and Grant live in Canton, Mo., (near St. Louis), and have four children.