Swimming and Diving Head Coach Jim Halliburton does not appearto be a day over 30. And Halliburton knows a thing or two about personal fitness. In 2009, Halliburton turned in 11 record-breaking gold-medal performances at the St. Louis Senior Olympics.
“It all about doing the little things to stay in top physical shape,” he said.
Halliburton’s “little things” include using stairs instead of an elevator or escalator, lifting some weights and parking further away to increase walking distance. Halliburton’s competitive record speaks to his commitment to physical fitness. Halliburton was a member of the United States National Team from 1978 to 1982 and was team captain in his final season with the squad. A former American record holder, he was twice ranked No. 1 in the world in the 100-meter butterfly.
At Indiana University, Halliburton was a seven-time Big Ten champion and broke Mark Spitz’s Big Ten record in the 100 fly. He was also a four-time NCAA All-American.
Halliburton continues to swim competitively. He said that dedication plays a part in being physically fit.
“Dedication does a play a part, but people get too caught up in daily goals when they should be setting weekly goals,” Halliburton said.
Halliburton has an excellent coaching record to match his personal fitness. He has coached two world-record holders and 20 swimmers in the Olympic Trials. Two of his swimmers have competed in the Olympic Games. More than 50 swimmers training under him have ranked in the top 16 in the United States in their age group, and eight of them were ranked No. 1.
Halliburton’s commitment to personal fitness has also seemed to rub off onto his swimmers at Saint Louis University. Since he was hired in 2001, the women have broken 18 of 21 school records, and the men have eclipsed 19 of 21 school marks.
At the 2010 St. Louis Senior Olympics, Halliburton shattered his own marks in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle; the 50, 100 and 200 backstroke; the 50 and 100 butterfly; and the 100 and 200 individual medley. He also established standards in the 50, 100 and 200 breaststroke, events in which he did not compete last year. Halliburton now owns all 14 records in the men’s 50-54 age group.
Halliburton said that swimming is one of the best ways to stay in shape because it works every muscle in the body.
“Swimming is much easier on the body compared to other sports,” Halliburton said. “I think it is the best exercise for anyone.”
Personal fitness is an important part of Halliburton’s life. His competitive record and his record-breaking performance show that age really is just a number.
