Soddy-Daisy's Diann Uustal smiles after finding out she now holds five swimming records.
Contributed photoSoddy-Daisy's Diann Uustal credits hard work and her faith with producing record-breaking swims in Bethesda, Md.
In late March Uustal broke three world swimming records and four United States Masters Swimming records in a single day. Now she holds five world records in swimming. She was named a 2010 All-American in swimming.
"I was just stunned and very grateful to be swimming at all," said Uustal. "I worked very hard and kept chipping away. When I finished the first race I thanked God for success."
Uustal set three new backstroke world records in the women's 65-69, taking the United States' records down too. In addition, she set a new U.S. standard in the 50 freestyle.
Uustal's 50-meter backstroke was a world record-breaker. In the 100- and 200-meter backstroke, she broke the both the former world and U.S. record. Then, she swam the 50-meter freestyle, again breaking the U.S. record.
Uustal is now training for the YMCA National Swimming Championships to be held April 15-17 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She will then swim in the Canadian National Swimming Championships May 20-23 in Montreal.
"I love the focus against the clock," said Uustal. "I am a water rat. I practice swimming six days per week. I swim from 5:45 to 7:45 a.m. I could not be swimming in United States Masters Swimming without my Chattanooga River Rats team locally. They are glad to be swimming in the mornings and willing to work."