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Life writes stories like his. Just four and a half years ago, Franz Zigon competed in the senior European swimming championships and returned home with six medals.
“Last year we went to the outdoor pool 60 times,” says daughter Christine, who sees her active father as a great role model for what people can do when they keep moving. “He feels most comfortable in the water.” In the meantime, her father’s activity has slowed down a bit. He has recovered very well from an operation in the autumn of last year, only his feet are a bit lacking, says Christine Zigon.
Throughout his life, Franz Zigon did not allow himself to be slowed down. He trained with discipline from an early age and swam his first competition at the age of twelve. That was in 1936. The 21-time national and five-time state champion even made it to the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki as a member of the national water polo team.
Even as he grew older, the water remained his life. He won medals at the seniors’ European and World Championships and swore by the power of exercise, even when he was in poor health. A femoral neck fracture could not prevent him from giving up his swimming sessions any longer.
Born on March 9, 1924, Zigon is a “super role model” to all of what is possible when one gets older in good shape. Incidentally, it is hardly surprising that he was drawn to swimming (his favorite discipline was the backstroke): his zodiac sign is Pisces.
Source: Nachrichten
