Written Year: August 2016

Kalis Rasmussen 91, has been a member of the EOMAC (Etobicoke Olympium Masters Aquatic Club) since 1996. The team practices weekly and attends swim meets throughout the Province including the Nationals held at the Etobicoke Olympium in May.

Kalis was born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark and was swimming competitively throughout Europe by the age of 8. Her swimming career was put on hold during the war, but she has returned to the pool with a vengeance. Kalis dominates the Canadian record page as seen at http://mymsc.ca/Records for the 90-94 age group.

Much of her joie de vie is attributed to her Scandinavian heritage. Charlie Lane a fellow swimmer states, “Kalis is one in a million. Very focused and determined while in the pool, but is always up for the team socials, following practice. Kalis is always optimistic and tenacious, no matter what she does.” Kalis has decided she would like to compliment her swimming, and has taken up lawn bowling, this year.
Kalis is also very humble and when told that she has won this prestige award of athlete of the month, she stated “it is almost too much”.

At swim meets for relays it is the combined ages of all four swimmers. Always the team player, Kalis is looking forward to competing in the World Masters Swim championships in a couple years where her team mates can take advantage of her age.

“Kalis continues to be such an inspiration not only to those in her sport but to everyone she is surrounded by in her life. She is a truly magnificent athlete and person and I am so grateful to have met her says Joanne Noble Chair of the Board of the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame.

The Athlete of the Month is sponsored by The Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame, Humber College, Canadian Tire – The Queensway, Boston Pizza – The Queensway and The Etobicoke Guardian. To nominate an athlete, visit www. etobicokesports.ca