Hometown and Current residence: Columbus, Ohio – Hot Springs Village, AR.
Family and Occupation: I am married to Max Billen and have two children, Pat Burke (FL), Kelly Dippold (KS). I owned and operated Medical Sales and Distribution Co. and am now retired.
Swimming background: In 1976, I lived in St. Louis MO. I drove my 12 year old daughter, Kelly, to summer swim team practice every morning. The swim coach suggested I get in the pool and do the workouts with the kids because the USMS Long Course National Meet was going to be held at our club, Sugar Creek, that summer. And that is how I got involved in swimming. I started out as a breaststroker and did well at the meet (placed in the Top Ten in three events!) I continued to work out on my own and when a Masters Program started in St. Louis, I joined and practiced with them. Since I moved to the Village, I work out on my own and I miss having teammates.
Favorite event/race: 400 IM
Swimming goals: Before I age up, I plan to set an Arkansas state record in every event, every distance in SCY. I have four events left, all freestyle. My next goal is to reach 200 Top Ten USMS times. I now hold 183!
Advice to new masters swimmers: To relax and have fun.
Hobbies: Sewing, decorating, reading, gardening, traveling.
Favorite drill/workout: Enjoy a workout with a variety of strokes – no favorite.
Do you participate in other sports? Triathlons and running.
Where do you currently swim? Hot Springs YMCA
Arkansas Masters Swimming 
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