Mission Viejo was the center of attention in the aquatics world this week as the 2024 U.S. Masters Swimming Summer National Championship brought nearly 1,300 swimmers to town.

The competitions, which run through Sunday at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex, feature swimmers from eight countries, including the United States, covering all skill levels and ages, including dozens of swimmers who are 80 years old and older.

Several Olympic athletes are also taking part. Some swimmers are relatively new to the annual competition, others have a little more experience.

“I have no idea,” said Maurine Kornfeld when asked how often she has competed.

This year is Kornfeld’s 13th Masters. But that’s not the most impressive part.

“I’m counting toes and fingers,” Kornfeld said. “I think there are 102?”

Kornfeld is 102 years old.

“It’s just fun. My philosophy is: If it’s not fun, why bother?” explained the centenarian.

Her wisdom was surpassed only by her wit.

“I tell her to do one thing and she does another and it’s perfect,” laughed her coach Chad Durieux.

Jeff Farrell competes in the 50m backstroke in the 85-89 age group.

“I swim four or five times a week,” said the 87-year-old Farrell, who has won two Olympic gold medals. “I was at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.”

He has not lost his competitive advantage.

“I didn’t like coming second in the 50-meter backstroke,” he laughed. “I’m going to beat him in the freestyle.”

Dawson Hughes is the CEO of US Masters Swimming.

“The stories of some of the older swimmers are great,” he said. “Seeing people setting world records and national records is a great advertisement for the sport and fitness in general.”

The long-time swimmers are very popular with the fans here. Kornfeld is called “Mighty Mo” by the people.

We asked Kornfeld how she felt after the 50 meter backstroke.

“Wet!” she replied, laughing.

Her sense of humor and love of water won’t fade anytime soon.

“I love it,” she said. “Why else would I do it?”