Lowcountry Masters swimmer earns No. 1 world ranking

Not only did Lowcountry Masters swimmer David Painter finish 2015 as the nation’s fastest 50-meter swimmer in the men’s 75-79 age group, he’s now been certified as No. 1 in the world.

FINA, swimming’s world governing body, unveiled its list of Top 10 times at all age levels this week. Painter’s time of 30.77 seconds in the 50 freestyle was nearly a half-second faster than No. 2 Tsutomu Ebihara of Japan.

In addition, Barbara Eisele ended the year No. 3 in the world in the 200 breaststroke for women 85-89.

This story was originally published March 18, 2016 at 7:05 PM with the headline "Lowcountry Masters swimmer earns No. 1 world ranking."