Dara Torres: Beauty Secrets and Jumping into the Midlifer Pool

Dara Torres isn't afraid to jump into the deep end when it comes to getting older.

The Olympian swimmer says, "I have a definite view on aging, so much that I titled my first book, 'Age is Just a Number.'"

Dara lives that title.

 "There are people doing amazing things well into their '70s and beyond," she says.

"There is no denying that getting older takes a toll on your body. But I've learned to live and train differently to continue to do the things that I love," she tells StyleGoesStrong.com

I ask her: What is your definition of beauty?

"Beauty to me is something that is both inside and out. A truly beautiful person is much more than skin deep," she says.

Dara Torres is the American swimmer and 12 time Olympic metalist. She was the first swimmer from the United States to compete in five Olympic games and the oldest to earn a place on the US Olympic team. At age 40, just 15 months after she gave birth to her first baby, she won Gold in the 100-meter freestyle at the US Nationals.

DARA TORRES BEAUTY SECRETS

Dara has to deal with the punishing effects of chlorine on her skin – as do many of us who just like to swim for fun.

"The most important thing is to keep your skin hydrated," she advises. "I'm training outdoors in the sun and chlorine, so I like to use the most natural products that really moisturize my skin like Kiehls."

Hair care is another 911 issue for swimmers.

She's not that particular about hair care. "I'm not attached to one brand. I like to change things up to keep my hair healthy," she says. "If you look at my gym bag at any given time you will find two or three brands."

DARA'S STAY THIN SECRETS

It's not just all that time in the pool that keeps Dara thin.

"I try to eat healthy, but the truth is that I have a sweet tooth, which is ok! Many people are focused on eating 'skinny' and not necessarily eating healthy.

"As an athlete, I have to be very conscience about what I put into my body to be able to perform at my very best.

"I make sure to stay on top of my proteins and carbs to be able to get the most out of my training," she says.

Dara says she's not a fashionista, but appreciates looking good on TV and in life.  

Her fashion tips?

"Wear something that makes you feel confident. I've always had an athlete's body without many curves so I wear low-waisted pants and jeans.

"Knowing your body and feeling comfortable and confident in the clothes you wear truly makes all the difference."

DARA TODAY

Dara has also worked as a TV reporter for NBC, ESPN, TNT and Fox. These days, she's also serving as a spokesperson for one of her favorite products, Bengay.

"I love Bengay because it's easy, fast, and effective," she says. "I can throw it in my bag and take it anywhere, which is a big plus. Plus it has a no mess applicator, so no messy hands.

"I can instantly relieve aches and pains from training or from just playing with my daughter," she says.

Dara says that you have to listen to your body when it comes to pushing it too far. "After years of competing, I've learned to really listen to my body," she says. "I make sure to take time to rest and time to stretch. Ki-Hara stretching is a huge part of my routine.

"I train hard, but also know when my body is telling me to take it easy."

The LA native who was always on the swim team says that she still pushes herself to achieve the best.

"I'm a naturally competitive person," she says. "I want to do everything to my very best.

"It used to be for me, but now it's both for me and my daughter," she says. "I want to show her what can happen when you work hard and put your very best into something."

She says juggling momhood with daughter Tessa, 5, and being an athlete has been a challenge.

"There are a lot of single, working moms out there. My job may be unusual, but I make it work.

"I train hard and then I'm able to spend the most time with my daughter. I go straight from the pool to her ice-skating practice."

Another Olympian might be just around the bend.

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