The world of aquatic sport would like to wish the one, the only Nicholas Santos of Brazil a very happy birthday today!
Santos, the oldest world champion in short course swimming history, turns 42 today.
He recently took to his Instagram page to post a picture to his 52,000 followers, with Santos and 32-year-old Brazilian teammate Bruno Fratus intensely training together at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex in Florida.
The last time we saw Santos in competitive form last December he proved age is just a number by winning the 50m Butterfly at the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Abu Dhabi to become the oldest swimmer ever to win a world championship title – a record he already held.
In Abu Dhabi, it was a repeat golden performance for Santos who won the world short course 50m Butterfly title in Hangzhou (CHN) – then at the age of 38.
Santos’ swimming career has been nothing short of epic, and he shows no sign of stopping any time soon! At the FINA World Championships 2019 in Gwangju, South Korea, Santos won the bronze medal in the 50m Butterfly at the age of 39, "updating" his record for the oldest swimmer in the world to win a FINA World Championship medal. Can he do it again at the FINA World Championships – Bupadest 2022? Watch this space!
Happy birthday Nicholas, we look forward to seeing you again this summer in Hungary’s capital city!