U.S. Masters Swimming Fitness Award

Recipient:	Karlene Denby
Year:	2024
LMSC:	Gulf

Karlene always had an interest in all Gulf LMSC swimmers, not just the competitors. While editor of the LMSC newsletter, Karlene regularly included information about the non-competitive events that Gulf was hosting. She recognized fitness swimmers and included workouts and swim tips, which were specifically designed for the LMSC’s independent swimmers. Karlene also promoted Gulf social events in ways to encouraged non-competitive swimmers to participate.

In addition to her duties as the newsletter editor and LMSC secretary, Karlene volunteered in 2021 to take on the Fitness Chair position after the previous chair stepped down. She inherited the annual “Gulf Swim University”, and the event thrived under her tutelage. She aggressively promoted the event and included interim and final results in the newsletter. Karlene also created a new fitness event that was well received, a virtual “Swim Around Galveston Island”. When she received this award, plans were underway for a “Houston to San Antonio” virtual swim that would lead up to the 2025 Spring Nationals being held in San Antonio. Karlene was personally credited with increasing the number of independent swimmers and fitness only swimmers involvement in Gulf LMSC activities.