Dara Torres 2021 Commencement Address

Dara Torres, who is among the most decorated U.S. Olympians of all time, delivers Rowan University’s main Commencement address during a virtual ceremony Saturday, May 8th, 2021. Torres earned four gold, four silver and four bronze medals in Olympic swimming events but her passion and success in the pool often masked the many obstacles she overcame to get there including injuries, insecurities, eating disorders and bullying. Widely known for competing longer than most Olympic athletes, Torres at 41 became the oldest swimmer ever to earn a spot on a U.S. Olympic team in 2008 and was the oldest member of the 2000 U.S. swim team at 33. A mother, corporate spokesperson and entrepreneur, Torres, who represented the U.S. on the Olympic stage from age 15 to 41, embodies a never-quit spirit of goal-setting and achievement.