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NCAA office of inclusion sponsors 4 HBCU student-athletes to attend Black Student-Athlete Summit

Story Links For Anaya Martin, being nominated to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit came at the perfect time in her career. “We talked about life after athletics,” said the Tuskegee track and field student-athlete who finished her sophomore year on the team. “You have to think about (the future) now before it […]

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For Anaya Martin, being nominated to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit came at the perfect time in her career.

“We talked about life after athletics,” said the Tuskegee track and field student-athlete who finished her sophomore year on the team. “You have to think about (the future) now before it even happens. If you wait, it’s gonna be too late.

“That was a great eye-opener. You see so many eye-openers being here, and it kind of helps you realize that you’re not alone.”

The NCAA office of inclusion sponsored four student-athletes from historically Black colleges and universities to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit in Chicago last month. The NCAA’s inclusion, education and community engagement team works with HBCU conference commissioners to provide opportunities for student-athletes to take part in this life-changing experience.

The summit, held May 21-24, united student-athletes, athletics professionals and industry leaders for four days of programming. Participants engaged in career development sessions, financial literacy workshops and wellness activities designed to prepare them for life beyond sports.

The NCAA sponsored four student-athletes to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit. From left are Clay Green, Aidan Starling, Ethaliah Edouard and Anaya Martin. (Photo courtesy of the NCAA office of inclusion)
The NCAA sponsored four student-athletes to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit. From left are Clay Green, Aidan Starling, Ethaliah Edouard and Anaya Martin. (Photo courtesy of the NCAA office of inclusion) 

Aidan Starling, a track and field and cross country student-athlete from Grambling, used the summit to reflect on his position coming from an HBCU.

“HBCUs haven’t always been afforded the same opportunities. It’s usually a pretty stark difference. This kind of initiative, this fellowship, has really given me, as a representative of my school, an opportunity to be in a space and voice some of the struggles we’ve had and learn from people we couldn’t have possibly learned from before.” 

Starling’s time in Chicago empowered him to see how far he has come while recognizing his future path.

“There are points of time when I never would have seen myself making it as far as I have,” he said. “When you get out, when you make it, when you get these positions you’re dreaming of, go back and bring somebody else out to where you are.” 

The Black Student-Athlete Summit equipped participants with tangible skills, connections and pathways to leadership in business, culture and community. The programming brought in speakers from myriad industries.

Ethaliah Edouard, a volleyball student-athlete from Johnson C. Smith, plans to enter the medical field. An impactful moment for Edouard was the opportunity to listen to a session with a former student-athlete who became a doctor.

“She was talking about how she learns, how her brain works and how it was a struggle for her to study, how it was a struggle for her to focus,” she said. “It was like looking into a mirror. The things that she described are the exact things that I spent so much time going through.”

Additionally, Edouard said meeting participants who attend predominantly white schools allowed her to reflect on her own experience at a historically Black university.

“A lot of them talked about how they’re the only ones on their team, in their school, in their classrooms. They’ve never had black professors. Honestly, it made me appreciate my HBCU even more. It showed me there is so much power in me playing with and being surrounded by other Black girls.”

Clay Green, a golf student-athlete from North Carolina Central, said the law session broke down the process of becoming a sports attorney, a path he is interested in pursuing.

Ultimately, Green’s time at the summit will allow him to bring the lessons he learned back to campus.

“We’re trying to build a foundation of not only just financial literacy but understanding that there’s opportunities outside of sports. Knowing I’m not alone set a good foundation of what I want to talk about when I come back.”

Meeting other Black student-athletes, administrators and industry leaders allowed these four student-athletes to gain new perspectives, visualize different career paths and see representation in the professional world. 

“Coming from an HBCU, I already see Black excellence,” Green said. “But seeing it outside of your HBCU is always a pleasure.”



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Men’s Golf Announces 2025-26 Schedule

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic men’s golf will compete in 11 events as part of the 2025-26 fall and spring schedule, leading up to the American Conference Championship in Bradenton, Fla., next April.   Head coach Adrien Mork “I’m looking forward to this upcoming season. We have a good mix of events in Florida […]

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BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic men’s golf will compete in 11 events as part of the 2025-26 fall and spring schedule, leading up to the American Conference Championship in Bradenton, Fla., next April.
 
Head coach Adrien Mork
“I’m looking forward to this upcoming season. We have a good mix of events in Florida and some other places with strong competition. Our players are talented, and our team is improving. It’s a lot of fun to see our program getting better. Go Owls!”
 
The fall portion of the schedule will include four events starting Sept. 8 with the Myrtle Beach Golf Trips Intercollegiate in South Carolina. The Owls will conclude the fall by hosting the second annual Florida Atlantic Invitational. This year’s event will be staged at Panther National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., for the first time. The course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas, recently opened in 2023.
 
The Owls will reconvene to begin the spring schedule on Feb. 2 at the Sea Best Invitational in Atlantic Beach, Fla. Other highlights of the spring slate include the UNCW Seahawk Intercollegiate on March 30-31, where junior NaShawn Tyson lapped the field by seven shots for his first collegiate victory last season. The Owls will also compete in one new event – the Tarheel Intercollegiate – hosted by North Carolina in Chapel Hill beginning April 11.
 
The American Conference Championship (April 27-29) returns to the Ritz-Carlton Members Club in Bradenton, Fla., for the second consecutive year. NCAA Regionals run May 18-20. Last season, Tyson earned an at-large nod to the Tallahassee Regional, becoming the third Owl in program history to compete in a regional. The NCAA National Championship (May 29-June 3) will be contested at Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, Calif., for the third straight year. 

For complete coverage of FAU men’s golf, follow us on X and Instagram (@FAUMGolf). 

M-GOLF 25-26 Schedule

 





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Gannon, Shepherd selected as 2025 PSAC Women’s Volleyball preseason favorites

Story Links LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Shepherd University and Gannon University women’s volleyball teams were selected as preseason favorites in the 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Women’s Volleyball Preseason Polls, as voted on by the conference’s coaches. Eastern DIvision The Shepherd Rams were voted No. 1 in the 2025 PSAC Eastern Division […]

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LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Shepherd University and Gannon University women’s volleyball teams were selected as preseason favorites in the 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Women’s Volleyball Preseason Polls, as voted on by the conference’s coaches.

Eastern DIvision
 
The Shepherd Rams were voted No. 1 in the 2025 PSAC Eastern Division Women’s Volleyball Preseason Poll and tallied four first-place votes. The Rams finished the 2024 regular season undefeated in conference play at 14-0 (24-6 overall) and return plenty of talent from that team, including All-PSAC East First Teamers Rylee Lenz (250 kills) and Sophia Ryan (239 kills). Amya Davis (237 kills) and setter Macy Buso (1,025 assists and an All-PSAC East Second Team honor) are also back.

The No. 2 team in the 2025 East poll is East Stroudsburg (two first-place votes), who finished 2024 with a conference record of 9-5 and an overall record of 20-8. Two-time reigning PSAC East Athlete of the Year Anna Coulter is back to follow up on a season that saw her lead the East in hitting percentage (.438), kills (360), kills per set (3.75), points (488), and blocks per set (1.46).

The Shippensburg Raiders are No. 3 in this year’s poll and received a pair of first-place votes. Ship was 11-3 in conference play and 17-13 overall and returns plenty of talent, including PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year Shay Kolivoski, All-PSAC East First Team setter Kearstin Davis, and middle blocker Isabelle Bombas (210 kills, 66 blocks.)
 
No.4 Bloomsburg, No. 5 Millersville, No. 6 West Chester, No. 7 Lock Haven, and No. 8 Kutztown complete the remainder of the 2025 East poll.
 
Western Division
 
The Gannon Golden Knights sit atop the 2025 PSAC West Division Preseason Poll for the third consecutive season after collecting four first-place votes. The team finished 2024 with a West-leading record of 13-1 (26-8 overall) and return setter Bengisu Arslan (a PSAC-best 1,276 assists last season), outside hitter Carissa Treser (245 kills) and middle blocker Lauren Atwell (160 kills, 147 blocks.)

The defending PSAC champion IUP Crimson Hawks are the No. 2 team in the 2025 West Poll and received three first-place votes. IUP went 10-4 in conference play last season (24-9 overall) and return PSAC West Freshman of the Year Jessica Neiman, who tallied 298 kills to lead the team in 2024. Outside hitter Delaney Concannon (190 kills) and middle blocker Rylee Brown (147 kills, 93 blocks) also return.
 
The Clarion Golden Eagles were voted the No. 3 team in the West poll. The Golden Eagles will have to replace one of the best players in PSAC history after the graduation of Cassidy Snider, but Finley Kearney (140 kills, 81 blocks) and Emily Klopp (175 kills, 69 blocks) are back to shore up the middle of the court.

The No. 4 team in the West’s preseason poll, Seton Hill, compiled a 19-9 overall record (8-6 PSAC) last season and garnered a single first-place vote. The Griffins should return All-PSAC West First Team selection Catie Flohr (302 kills in 2024).

No. 5 Pitt-Johnstown, No. 6 Edinboro, No. 7 Slippery Rock, and No. 8 California round out the rest of the 2025 West poll.
 
The 2025 PSAC women’s volleyball season kicks off in full on Friday, September 5.
 

2025 PSAC Women’s Volleyball Preseason Poll (# of first-place votes in parentheses)
 
Eastern Division
 
1. Shepherd (4)
2. East Stroudsburg (2)
3. Shippensburg (2)
4. Bloomsburg
5. Millersville
6. West Chester
7. Lock Haven
8. Kutztown
 
Western Division
 
1. Gannon (4)
2. IUP (3)
3. Clarion
4. Seton Hill (1)
5. Pitt-Johnstown
6. Edinboro
7. Slippery Rock
8. California



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Volleyball Announces Class of 2029

Story Links NEW YORK – Columbia volleyball head coach Patric Santiago is pleased to officially announce three newcomers to the 2025 roster on Wednesday. The class features a pair of attacking players and a libero. “We are excited for this class to compete with us this season,” Santiago said. “They were heavily […]

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NEW YORK – Columbia volleyball head coach Patric Santiago is pleased to officially announce three newcomers to the 2025 roster on Wednesday. The class features a pair of attacking players and a libero.

“We are excited for this class to compete with us this season,” Santiago said. “They were heavily recruited early and we’ve been patiently waiting for them.  Now we finally get to see them play in Levien.”

Details on this season’s incoming class are below. Fans can access the complete Columbia volleyball roster by clicking this link.

Columbia Volleyball Class of 2029

LAUREN FARRIS – OUTSIDE HITTER – 6’0″ – CC – SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC – FY – TRABUCO CANYON, CALIF.

PRIOR TO COLUMBIA

A three-time letter winner for head coach Katy Daly and the Eagles … named a three-star recruit by Volleyball Recruiter … led the Eagles to a 25-15 overall record and a No. 19 ranking in the state of California her senior year … very active on the club scene … played for Tstreet Volleyball Club from 2018-25, the top ranked club program in Orange County … named to the All-Tournament Team at the JVA West Coast Cup in 2023 … Named a Day 1 Showstopper at JVA West Coast Cup by Volleyball Recruiter … twice a Tstreet Volleyball Club Player of the Month.

PERSONAL

Enjoys reading, going to the beach, hanging out with friends, workout classes, and playing pickle ball … favorite sports memory was getting second place at the Red Rock Rave National Qualifier in the Open Division in 15u … father, Kristopher, played football at UCLA where he won the Outland Trophy and played in the NFL for the Steelers, Bills, and Falcons … plans on majoring in economics.

COACHES QUOTE

“Lauren, who comes from one of the best clubs in the country, is a player who brings a great deal of attributes. She is a complete player with command of all six skills and possesses a wonderful arm and tremendous serve. She is a quiet no nonsense competitor who is focused on getting better everyday and the success of her team. We are so excited to see what she will add to our gym.”

 


VICTORIA GAO – LIBERO – 5’6″ – CC – LAKESIDE – FY – SEATTLE, WASH.


PRIOR TO COLUMBIA

A four time letter winner for head coach Jeff Kim and the Lions … also played lacrosse at Lakeside … was named a captain her junior and senior year … was the top ranked libero in the state of Washington … named First Team All-Washington State in 2022 … led her team to a Washington 3A State Championship … named all league in 2022 and 2023 … was the Lakeside School MVP in 2024 and the Lakeside School Most Defensive Player in 2023 … is the Lakeside single season and career record holder in digs with 1000+ career digs … played club volleyball from 2018-25 finishing her prep career playing for Sudden Impact Volleyball Club. 

PERSONAL

Enjoys watching football, baking, hanging out with friends, swimming, playing Spikeball and trying new foods as her hobbies … volunteered with the Hunger Intervention Program from 2018-25 … lists winning state as a sophomore as her favorite sports memory … plans on majoring in economics.

COACHES QUOTE

“Victoria is an energetic libero who plays with a ton of energy, confidence, and most importantly joy. The passion with which she pursues the game along with her hunger to improve set her apart as a competitor. Victoria is also first team all hype squad and revels in her teammates success. I think our fans and team will enjoy her time here at Columbia.” 

 


ELENA MAYNULET – OUTSIDE HITTER – 6′ 1″ – CC – LAKE HIGHLAND PREP (FLA.) – FY – GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO

PRIOR TO COLUMBIA


Three-time letter winner as a prep, the last two years at Lake Highland in Orlando, Fla.,  for head coach Katie Gallagher … in two years at Lake Highland she led her squad to an overall record of 46-13 in matches and two top-15 rankings in the state of Florida … in 159 sets played she amassed 432 kills, averaging 2.7 kills per set … her senior year she captained the Highlanders to a Florida 3A State Championship … that year she was named an AVCA Third Team All-American and 2024 AVCA All-Region honoree … She was named 2024 FACA All-State and was a four-time Club All-American and AAU All-American … She also has international playing experience, at 15 she was selected to Puerto Rico’s U19 National Team, she was the youngest player on the team.

PERSONAL

A fierce competitor, she lists playing beach volleyball, pickleball and tennis as her hobbies … also enjoys hot yoga … her favorite sports memory was winning state as a senior and advancing to the semi-finals three consecutive years. 

COACHES QUOTE

“Playing for a club team that double qualified in open this year, Elena has established herself as one of the top outside hitters in the country this past season. She is a threat from the front and back row, with the ability to attack from altitude with a high level of IQ. Her time training with the Puerto Rican national team and her aspirations to play volleyball after college have helped her make great strides in her game and we are excited for her potential to continue this growth.”  

FOLLOWING THE LIONS

For the latest on Columbia volleyball, follow @CULionsVB on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.



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Freshman Class Gets Started at Cedarville, Likely Another Record

College students will be converging on college campuses across the country in the coming days. At Cedarville University, where a projected 1,175 freshmen will move into their residence halls beginning Friday, August 15, enrollment trends appear to be favorable for another record enrollment.  With the arrival of the new students — and upper classmen later in the weekend — the […]

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College students will be converging on college campuses across the country in the coming days. At Cedarville University, where a projected 1,175 freshmen will move into their residence halls beginning Friday, August 15, enrollment trends appear to be favorable for another record enrollment. 

With the arrival of the new students — and upper classmen later in the weekend — the energy on campus is unmistakable.  

Students helping freshmen move into the residence halls during Getting Started Weekend.During Cedarville’s traditional Getting Started Weekend, new students will move into residence halls, attend workshops, take placement exams, explore student activities and gather for worship — all while forming the friendships and rhythms that will shape their college years. Parents, too, will share in the experience through dedicated workshops and worship moments designed to help them support their students with confidence and hope. 

Among those stepping into this new chapter are twins Julie and Ari Tompkins — two standout athletes from Mogadore, Ohio, whose journey to Cedarville is defined by faith, family and fierce competition. For them, the start of college isn’t just a new season — it’s the continuation of a lifelong bond and a calling to grow in both their sport and their spiritual walk. The sisters chose to room together for their freshman year, bringing their lifelong bond into their shared dorm as they prepare to compete on the university’s nationally ranked track and field team. 

The twins are no strangers to high achievement. Throughout high school, they excelled in track and field, basketball and cross country, earning multiple state championship appearances. In track, their shared passion culminated in back-to-back state runner-up finishes in the 1,600-meter relay — a feat made even more meaningful by their bond. 

“We’ve been called ultimate competitors,” said Ari, “but we’re also each other’s biggest supporters. Every race, every practice — we push each other to be better.” 

That competitive drive was honed early. Raised in a sports-loving family, the twins learned the value of hard work from their father, a former wrestler. “We always had to do something every season,” said Julie, “and we grew up going head-to-head in everything.” 

Julie and Ari Tompkins signing to run track at Cedarville University.Though their high school careers were filled with accolades, the journey wasn’t without challenges. Injuries sidelined them at different times, and the heartbreak of losing a state title by 0.01 seconds tested their resolve. But they credit those moments — and their faith — for shaping their perspective. 

“We struggled with the idea that our sport defined us,” said Julie, “but getting second helped us realize that God sees us the same whether we win or lose. That was a powerful lesson.” 

Their spiritual growth became a foundation for everything else, especially as they considered where to attend college. Though they initially considered separate paths, the idea of splitting up proved too difficult. 

“We’ve done everything together,” said Julie. “Even if we’d gone to different schools, it would’ve felt like something was missing.” 

Their decision to come to Cedarville was fueled by assistant track and field coach Max Kittle, the track team and the feeling of home on campus. “On our second visit, we practiced with the team and went to chapel,” said Ari. “It just felt like home.” 

Now first-year students and teammates on the Yellow Jackets’ track and field team, the Tompkins sisters are ready for the next level — both in sports and in life. Julie is majoring in exercise science with hopes of becoming a physical therapist for a professional sports team. Ari is studying criminal justice and plans to become a firefighter, EMT or FBI agent. 

“Getting Started is a special time for incoming Yellow Jackets,” said Lianna Peters, Getting Started director. “We want new students to be excited to participate in all that Cedarville has to offer.” 

Returning student leaders remember the impact of the week vividly. 

“I remember the nerves and excitement as I moved 13 hours from home and saw Sting leaders lining the road,” said Eli Nord, another Getting Started director. “That weekend helped me find my footing.” 

“Through my first weekend on campus, I was able to settle into my dorm and classes, meet some of my closest friends and get plugged into the community,” said Katey Decker, another Getting Started Director. 

Julie and Ari are hopeful for what’s ahead — spiritually, academically,and athletically. Julie’s goals include earning straight As, growing in her faith and helping the track team reach Nationals. Ari is focused on building a strong community, preparing for EMT certification and competing at a high level. 

And though their futures may one day lead them in different directions, for now, they’re exactly where they belong: side by side, at the starting line of something new. 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio’s largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.  



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NJCU Women’s Volleyball Reveals 2025 Schedule

By: Contact: Tom Krychkowski; Assistant Athletic Director for Communications & Marketing Story Links JERSEY CITY, N.J. | The New Jersey City University women’s volleyball program has unveiled its 2025 schedule under the guidance of new head coach Britni Jaskot. The Gothic Knights will compete in five tri-matches throughout the season, opening […]

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JERSEY CITY, N.J. | The New Jersey City University women’s volleyball program has unveiled its 2025 schedule under the guidance of new head coach Britni Jaskot. The Gothic Knights will compete in five tri-matches throughout the season, opening the year on the road before debuting at home in early September.

“I’m incredibly excited for the upcoming season,” said head coach Britni Jaskot. “NJCU Women’s Volleyball has a strong foundation with talented returners and three promising incoming freshmen. We are also welcoming three impactful transfers who I believe will make an immediate difference on the court.”

The season begins Friday, August 29 in New York City, as NJCU takes on John Jay and Colby-Sawyer in a tri-match hosted by John Jay College. The Gothic Knights make their 2025 home debut on Wednesday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. against Pratt Institute at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.

“While we’ll be a smaller roster this year, the team is full of hardworking, committed athletes who are ready to give everything they’ve got,” said Jaskot. “One of our transfers, Diane Pugay, brings valuable experience from DeSales and will be a strong all-around presence for us. Kai Fitzpatrick adds grit, intelligence, and the kind of energy that lifts a team.”

September’s early home schedule also features matchups against Cairn (Sept. 6) and Wilkes (Sept. 11) before the Gothic Knights hit the road for a tri-match at Penn State Berks with Wilkes on September 13. Additional road contests follow at SUNY Maritime (Sept. 16) and Penn State Harrisburg for a tri-match with Pitt-Greensburg (Sept. 20).

On her experience from playing in the NJAC, Jaskot had this to say. “Transitioning from playing in the NJAC to now coaching in it is truly special. I’m especially looking forward to our matchup against Kean—my alma mater—which will be a full-circle moment for me.”

NJAC play begins Tuesday, September 23 when Rutgers-Newark visits Jersey City.The home stretch continues against St. Elizabeth (Sept. 25) and Alvernia (Sept. 27) before the Gothic Knights travel to Ramapo (Sept. 30). October features key NJAC matchups against Montclair State (Oct. 2, home), Rutgers-Camden (Oct. 14, away), Stockton (Oct. 21, home), William Paterson (Oct. 23, away), and Kean (Oct. 28, away).

The regular season closes with a November push, as NJCU travels to Bard College for a tri-match with Ithaca (Nov. 1) before returning home to host Rowan in the NJAC finale on November 4.

For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University sports, visit njcugothicknights.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Gothic Knights news by following NJCU Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.



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Swimmer Tang Cheng-Yao, 96, wows the crowd at the World Aquatics Masters Championships

SINGAPORE – For nearly five minutes, Taiwanese swimmer Tang Cheng-yao commanded the attention of an entire arena at the World Aquatics Masters Championships. On Aug 10, about 150 competitors, officials, family and friends were on their feet at the WCH Arena, the cheers and applause thunderous as they shouted words of encouragement to the 96-year-old […]

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SINGAPORE – For nearly five minutes, Taiwanese swimmer Tang Cheng-yao commanded the attention of an entire arena at the World Aquatics Masters Championships.

On Aug 10, about 150 competitors, officials, family and friends were on their feet at the WCH Arena, the cheers and applause thunderous as they shouted words of encouragement to the 96-year-old swimmer as she splashed her way to the finish of the 200m freestyle.

Partially blind in her right eye and deaf in her left ear, the nonagenarian was the oldest female competitor at the July 26-Aug 22 championships.

She was the only swimmer in the 50m and 200m freestyle and the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke events (95-99 age group), and even set a championship record of 12 minutes 54.04 seconds in the 200m breaststroke on Aug 12.

But records are not what Tang aims for, as being in the pool gives her happiness and keeps the doctor away.

Speaking via a translator, Tang, who was born in Anhui, China, said: “Swimming makes me rarely sick. But my swimming journey has seen countless battles. In my youth, I swam with great energy, but now, at 96, I am slower.

“At such an advanced age, some have already given up… yet here I am, still swimming. But of course, after swimming, it’s either sore here or painful there.”

Back home, Tang, who has two sons and two grandchildren, swims 400m every day, though it takes a long time because “I swim very slowly”.

In the winter, when it gets too cold to swim, she goes on long walks.

She first learnt to swim when she was four, when her parents took her to the seaside in Shandong.

She credits her longevity in the pool to her Christian faith, adding: “I just keep my body and mind well every day. I go to classes at church as a small group, and I live joyfully. My religion comforts me and I don’t burden myself with worries, and that’s why I can focus on what I like to do.”

Even as a century beckons for the 96-year-old, she plans to continue swimming and taking part in masters competitions.

She said: “It all depends on whether God gives me time. If he lets me live, I will swim.”

Tang has enjoyed her time in Singapore, where she had celebrity-like status at the arena with multiple requests for photographs as fellow athletes and officials marvelled at her longevity in the sport.

Tang Cheng-Yao is 96 and is the oldest female participant at the World Aquatics Masters competition in Singapore.

PHOTO: SINGAPORE 2025

The fiercely independent swimmer also shared an anecdote about her arrival in Singapore, when staff at Changi Airport offered her a wheelchair as she disembarked from the plane.

She initially declined, turning to her 74-year-old son to ask why others assumed she needed one.

Tang said: “Reluctantly, I complied but felt embarrassed, and I questioned my age constantly. My son assured me it was just company policy, and he said to me, ‘You can run, you don’t need a wheelchair’.”

The World Aquatics Masters Championships features about 6,000 athletes aged 25 and above from around 100 countries and territories competing in swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and open water swimming.

The swimming competition ran from Aug 7 to 14, with water polo and diving to be contested from Aug 16 to 22 and Aug 17 to 22 respectively.

Among the participants at the month-long event were others like Tang, who defied their ages by remaining active and competitive.

Japanese swimmer Kazuo Yasuda, the oldest male competitor at 97, is about four months older than Tang.

There was also Margaret Jopling, who at 90 made her overseas debut and swam in the 50m and 800m freestyle, 50m and 100m backstroke and 50m breaststroke.

Australian swimmer Margaret Jopling smiling after completing the 800m freestyle heats at the World Aquatics Masters Championships on Aug 7.

ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO.

The Australian swims to stay mentally and physically fit, but more than that, she cherishes the friends she has made in the masters community and at her club, Port Macquarie Masters.

“I have always been competitive, and I love being in the water,” said Jopling, who is single.

“My objective in a competition like this is to finish the race and not get disqualified. And yes, it keeps me fit, but I love that it keeps me in with all my friends. I live alone and I look forward to meeting them at swims. In Australia, we have social events, Christmas parties and those sorts.

“I have enjoyed my time in Singapore and I hope to go to more masters events overseas after this.”



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