When you meet Emma Jo—affectionately known as EJ—you quickly realize you’re in the presence of someone exceptional. Not only is she an incredible swim instructor loved by students of all ages, but she’s also a decorated competitive swimmer who didn’t even start competing until age 65.

A Life Shaped by Water

EJ’s connection to swimming began in a small hometown lake where she and her friends would spend countless summer hours diving, swimming, and playing follow the leader. Her high school didn’t have a swim team, but that didn’t stop her. She earned her lifeguard certification and worked two summers as a lifeguard at the very lake where she learned to swim.

In college, she joined a synchronized swimming team, performing in shows even though the team didn’t compete. After graduating, she taught swimming and trained lifeguards throughout her 38-year teaching career, eventually continuing her passion at the Jewish Community Center, working with children in swim lessons.

A Late Start to Competition… That Changed Everything

Many people slow down in their 60s, but not EJ. At age 65, she entered the competitive swimming world—and never looked back.

“I was going to start swimming competitively at 60,” EJ said. “But I tore my rotator cuff and had to rehab first. Once I was ready, I wanted to start at the bottom of my age group. That’s how the Senior Olympics work—you compete in five-year brackets. So, I waited until I turned 65.”

Since then, her medal count is something to marvel at:

• 8 medals at the Pittsburgh Senior Olympics

• 6 golds and 1 silver in St. George, Utah

• 6 new state records at the Michigan Senior Olympics

• Numerous relay medals, often teaming up with swimmers she met along her journey

She will be doing 8 total events at the Senior Olympics.

She specializes in sprint events like the 50 and 100 freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and the 100 IM (individual medley). “I like the IM best—it’s a mix of strokes, and I don’t get bored,” she says.

EJ is also a strong diver, which gives her an edge at the start of races. In fact, at one of her very first meets in Michigan, she lost her goggles mid-dive, threw them to the side, swam blind, and still set a new state record.

Teaching with Heart

Long before EJ began collecting medals, she was shaping swimmers. From lifeguards to kids to adults, she’s made a lasting impact on hundreds of lives.

She joined Hudson Valley Swim Lutz in late 2023, but the team had known her even longer. “She was the very first person to call us when our phones went live,” a team member recalls. “We were terrified to answer—it turned out to be EJ, asking about a job. What a gift.”

EJ quickly became a staple of the program. Though her true passion lies in working with adults—perfecting strokes and helping people overcome fear—she’s adored by kids and parents alike. Her classes fill up fast, and students regularly request her by name.

“I’ve never not taught someone to swim,” EJ says confidently. “That’s what I tell people who say they can’t do it.”

A Role Model for All Ages

Now preparing for the 2025 Senior Olympics in Iowa—the largest one yet with over 13,000 participants in the entire Olympic Games, EJ is still as driven and focused as ever. “I’m now 80, so I’ll be the youngest in my bracket. Hopefully, I’ll beat all those old ladies!” she jokes.

Her message to others in their 60s, 70s, and beyond is clear: Don’t stop moving. Find a sport you enjoy. Stay active.

She’s seen the benefits of swimming not just physically, but mentally as well. “Swimming helps with memory loss and dementia,” she notes, citing research from swimmer’s magazines. “It keeps you mentally sharp, flexible, and is low-impact—perfect for older adults.”

And the best part? “You don’t need a partner. Just find a pool, learn how to swim, and you’ll keep yourself in great shape.”

Leaving a Legacy

EJ’s story is more than one of athletic accomplishment—it’s about resilience, purpose, and giving back.

Her advice? “If you feel like you’re good at something, you should give back to your community.”

She continues to do exactly that, inspiring seniors to stay active, encouraging new swimmers to keep going, and building a life around the water that first gave her joy as a little girl in that small hometown lake.

Emma Jo proves every day that it’s never too late to chase new dreams—and win gold doing it.

Want to learn how to swim, no matter your age? Join EJ and the Hudson Valley Swim Lutz team—because it’s never too late to make a splash.

Check back soon to hear how she did at the Senior Olympics!