For Trinidad and Tobago Masters swimmer and coach Timotheus “Timmy” Latchmansingh, Swimming has become more than a sport. It is a source of discipline, community and continued personal challenge.
As a coach, Timmy spends much of his time helping swimmers improve, overcome fear, build confidence and achieve goals they once thought were impossible. As a Masters athlete, the sport also gives him an opportunity to continue challenging himself.
“Being a Masters athlete has taught me that I also have to challenge myself,” he says.
At 49, training requires discipline, consistency and a willingness to keep going even on the days when it feels more difficult.
“There are mornings when getting into the pool is difficult, but once I start swimming, I remind myself why I am there.”
For Timmy, one of the most meaningful parts of Masters Swimming is the community surrounding it.
Athletes arrive from different countries and backgrounds, with different levels of experience and different speeds, but share a common passion once they enter the water.
“We may come from different countries, have different backgrounds and swim at different speeds, but once we enter the pool, we share the same passion.”
The friendships, encouragement and competitive spirit within the Masters community have become an important source of motivation throughout his journey.
His experience in swimming has also taken him into Open Water Swimming, bringing a different dimension to the sport.
For Latchmansingh, Open Water Swimming requires mental strength, confidence and the ability to adapt, with each swim presenting a new challenge.
He continues to set goals for himself both in and out of the pool, including working toward competing at the PanAm Aquatics Masters Championship Buenos Aires 2026 in Argentina.
That goal has given his training additional purpose, but his motivation is not simply about being the fastest swimmer.
“I am not chasing swimming because I believe I have to prove that I am the fastest person in the pool. I am chasing it because I want to prove that age does not have to determine what we are capable of achieving.”
Timmy continues to work toward improving his times, competing in new events and taking on new challenges.
He also hopes his journey can encourage other adults who may believe it is too late to start swimming, return to the sport or begin taking their swimming more seriously.
Swimming, he says, has given him discipline, friendships, unforgettable experiences and a community that continues to push him forward.
His message to other Masters athletes is simple:
“Keep showing up. Keep challenging yourself. Keep believing in your ability to improve.”
Whether someone is preparing for a first Masters race or has been competing for decades, he believes every length of the pool represents another opportunity to become stronger — not only as an athlete, but as a person.
“I am proud to be part of the Masters swimming community and proud to represent Trinidad and Tobago.”
For Timmy, the journey is far from finished.
“Keep swimming. Keep believing. Keep moving forward.”
