By Karin Bivens

Huge CONGRATULATIONS to Saddlebrooke’s Former Head Swim Coach Doug Springer for his phenomenal achievements at two recent masters swim competitions. At the 2026 Fabulous Las Vegas Short Course Meters Swim Meet (Jan 17) Doug broke three Masters 80-84 age group World Records in the 50 Breaststroke (40.29), 100 Breaststroke (1:29.22) and the 100 Individual Medley (1:22.75).  Prior to this, the previous 50 Breaststroke World Record was 41.42 by Toshio Tajima of Japan set in 2005; the previous 100 Breaststroke World Record was 1:31.77 by Masaru Shinkai of Japan and the 100 Individual Medley World Record was 1:23.73 set by Rich Burns of the USA in 2023.  

Then two weeks later, Doug competed in the Rowdy Gaines Masters Classic SCM Swim Competition (Jan 30-Feb 1) with once again World record-breaking performances this time in the 200 Breaststroke (3:15:06) previously 3:21:35 set by Japan’s Masaru Shinkai in 2021; 200 Fly (3:24:24) previously 3:30:11 by  Giulio Divano of Italy in 2011; the 100 IM (1:22:75) previously 1:23:33 set in 2023 by Rich Burns of the USA; the 200 IM (3:06:07) previously 3:08:90 set by Rich Burns of the USA in 2023 and the 400 IM (6:41:78) previously 7:09:74 set by Japan’s Ikuro Shimono in 2017.

These achievements highlight Doug’s continued excellence in swimming yet Doug is quite humble about his performances. Fortunately, his supportive wife Nancy, is a great resource and was of tremendous help in gaining information and photographs. Doug defies age stereotypes, achieving remarkable successes, inspiring and encouraging others to get or remain active.  To excel at such a high level, though, takes a tremendous amount of time, training, commitment and dedication.  Way to go, Doug!