"Burnside Rocks Nationals!", by Adam Sandler

 

The 2013 NAUTICA® USLA National Lifeguard Championships. Photo by Will Maguire.

Bob Burnside at Nationals!  Photo by Will Maguire

Thursday, August 8th, 2013:  Day #1 of the 2013 USLA National Lifeguard Championships is in the books and it was clearly a day to remember!   "County Recurrent" Freelance Reporter/USLA Race Official/Media Guru/Beach Lifeguard, Adam Sandler, delivers a report that we can all appreciate and recounts the antics and competitive spirit of legendary LACo Chief Lifeguard (Ret.), Bob Burnside, 82 years of age and still competing in the American Ironman!

Here is Adam's report and some photos too!

Without a doubt the most impressive display of grit mixed with inspiration and good humor was on display whenever Bob Burnside competed. At age 82, Bob wowed us all when he rowed, swam, paddled and did all of it with a smile. Earlier in the day Bob said to me as we walked to the Recorders Table after completing an event that "I enjoy competing, especially when you get to do it with your friends."

He later mocked me as I was standing with my hands in the air tweeting my whistle and guiding paddlers into the finish line with a Wayne's World style "we're not worthy" pose by dropping to his knees and using the same motions I was, with a big grin on his face. 

And Bob received a standing ovation and rock star applause from spectators and the other competitors later in the day as he made his way to the finish line of the American Ironman age group final, the last event of a very long day.

Well done, Bob!

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*** Thanks Adam.  Story & Photos, unless otherwise indicated, by & Copyright Adam Sandler 2013. Used here with permission. ***

Until next time.....


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