Outgames: World Record in Swimming

Thursday, August 3, 2006 – A world record in swimming was broken today at the 1st World Outgames in Montréal’s Olympic Pool, when openly gay American swimmer Daniel Veatch set a new record time in the 200 m backstroke in the 40 – 44 age category.

Veatch, who lives in San Francisco, logged in a time of 2:14.83, edging out the previous record of 2:15.49 set in 1999 by another American swimmer, William Speicht. Veatch is an Olympic athlete who competed at the Seoul Games in 1988. The 200 m backstroke is his speciality. In Seoul, Veatch finished 7th.

Given that swimming competitions at the Outgames are sanctioned by the Quebec Swimming Federation, the record set by Veatch is in the process of being registered with FINA (International Amateur Swimming Federation).

In response to his achievement, Veatch said “I’m really excited to have broken this record and to find myself in the pool with my good friend and former competitor, Mark Tewksbury.” Veatch also indicated that he is particularly proud of being in Montréal to support the Outgames. “I really believe in the Outgames movement.”

Canadian Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer, Mark Tewksbury, is Co-President of the Outgames in Montréal.

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Day 9