At 77 years old, Bill Lauer is active, fit, robust, and healthy……….and, one of the best competitive swimmers in the world.  Living in Knoxville and a professor of architecture, at the University of Tennessee, Lauer is ranked in the Top 5 in the world, and ready to show his hometown why many throughout the United States consider him one of the best.   

This weekend, talented adult swimmers from across the Southeast will travel to Knoxville to compete in the 2011 Knoxville Masters Invitational at the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatics Center at the University of Tennessee.  The event is presented by the Greater Knoxville Masters Swimming (GKMS) organization, and activities will take place Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4, 2011.  The event is described as a swim meet for adult competitive swimmers, and will attract some of the most dedicated and talented swimmers from across the southeast. 

Many athletes competing in this event are considered among the best in the country and world, and are ranked by the United States Masters Swimming Association and by the world governing body, FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) or in English pronounced the International Swimming Federation. 

“The Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation is excited to welcome these outstanding adult athletes to Knoxville,” said Gloria Ray, President and CEO of KTSC. “This elite swimming competition features some of the top adult swimming talent in the country, and we look forward to showing the participants, their families, friends, coaches, and fans all that Knoxville has to offer.”

Over the weekend, hundreds of individuals will fill the city’s hotel rooms during the event.  Athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials are encouraged to spend some time exploring the city of Knoxville and the University of Tennessee campus while they’re in town.  The Knoxville Masters Invitational is expected to bring an estimated economic impact of more than $56,000 to the Knoxville area. 

Spectators are welcome to attend this exciting two -day meet, and admission is free.  The event gets underway Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 p.m. (noon), and warm-ups begin at 11:00 a.m. 

For more information about the event or for official entry form, please visit http://www.dixiezone.org/Meets/1112knoxville.pdf.

Picture Credit: Left William Lauer 76 years old from Knoxville and president of GKMS - Right Diann Uustal 65 years old swims for Maine Masters Swim Club and lives in Chattanooga with the River Rates Swim Club.