CAPE DOCTOR WINS TWO SENIOR SWIMMING EVENTS

Dr. Fred E. Rawlins likes swimming.

Twice this year, the 83-year-old Cape Girardeau doctor has crossed the Mississippi River, starting on an Illinois sandbar upriver from Honker's Boat Dock at Cape Girardeau and finishing about halfway between Honker's Dock and the Broadway entrance to river in downtown Cape Girardeau, a distance of more than a mile.

Last month Rawlins participated in the Illinois Senior Olympics, winning two of his four events, and finishing in the runner-up position in the other two.

Now, Rawlins is looking to the National Senior Olympics in Orlando, Fla.

"I like the longer events," said Rawlins recently.

He won the 400-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle events in the 80 to 84 age bracket of the Illinois Senior Olympics last month at Springfield.

He finished second in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events.

Rawlins' next swim will be later this month at Orlando where he will participated in the National Seniors Olympic freestyle events.

Rawlins has been swimming the Mississippi River for more than 65 years and competing in various Senior Olympics for more than 20 years.

He particpated in the St. Louis Senior Olympics in 1990, claiming a gold medal in the 500-yard freestyle for men 70 to 74.

He finished third in the 50-yard freestyle and fourth in the 100-yard freestyle.

Rawlins has also participated in the National Olympics in a number of events.

In past years, Rawlins has swum farther distances in the Mississippi River -- 10 miles to Thebes, Ill., his native town, and 20 miles to Commerce.

He has also taken a dip or two in the Ohio River.

The Cape Girardeau obstetrician and gynecologist still keeps office hours three days a week at 217 N. Sprigg.