8/5/2009 6:00:00 PM Hardy hasn't lost competitive edge
By STEVE SWOGETINSKY Sports Editor
Allen Hardy has always enjoyed lifetime sports such running, biking, swimming and participating in triathlons.
But a hip injury nearly four years ago almost put an end to those activities.
"It was the Friday after Hurricane Katrina," Hardy, 60, said. "I was out, riding my bike. A little dog ran out in front of me. My feet got tangled in my pedals. I fell on my hip and broke it.
"By midnight, I was at Rush Hospital in Meridian, having hip replacement surgery."
Physically, Hardy could have continued to compete in running and bike competition after his recovery. He had participated in around 20 triathlons in over the years. But he didn't want to risk another injury.
"I have broken two bones in my life and both were in bike wrecks," Hardy said. "I decided to do something else."
In January 2008, Hardy started swimming in the local athletic club's indoor pool. In time, he was joined by others.
"We are trying to establish a Masters swim club," Hardy said, "Masters means adult swim group. There isn't any certain age; it's just not for kids.
"Sometimes, we may have as many as 12 swimming. Other times, there might be two. Swimming keeps me in shape. It's good 'waist' management. You get tired after swimming but it's a good tired. You don't have as much stress on your body as you do when you are running or riding a bicycle and it's enjoyable."
Hardy is an insurance executive with Philadelphia Security Insurance. With his swimming, he had found a sport in which he could compete once again.
"My uncle, Sonny Olphant, encouraged me to compete in the Senior Olympics which are held in May of each year," Hardy said. "I won four gold medals and a silver medal this past spring."
He also competed in the State Games of Mississippi this summer and won nine gold medals.
"It was a long day," Hardy said. "We did warn up laps at 10 a.m. The meet started at 11 a.m. and didn't get over until around 2 p.m."
His gold medals included races in the 50 meter free style, 50 meter back stroke, the 50 meter breast stroke, the 400 meter Individual medley and four relay events.
Later this year, Hardy will be honored at a State Games banquet as the Masters Swimming Male Athlete of the Year.
Before his injury, Hardy had competed in six Heart O' Dixie triathlons. This year, he returned to that competition in the team division.
"I did the swimming," Hardy said. "Kent Winstead did the bike part and Leigh Allyn White ran."
Anyone who might be interested in the masters swimming program can call Hardy at 601-656-7355.
