BILLIE ANN BURRILL

1990 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Billie began swimming just ten years ago for the purpose of health and fitness.  Since then, she has won over 125 awards in swimming.  Billie held the world record for the 1500 meter freestyle (ages 65-69) for all distances in the freestyle, and ranks in the top ten nationally and internationally in all distance freestyle events in which she competes.  In addition she was a member of the National Championship Team in 1987 and 1988 that won the Masters Swim-for-Distance competition.  In July 1986 Billie participated in the FINA/MSI World Masters Swimming Championships held in Japan and broke one international record while earning three silver and two bronze medals.  According to her good friend Fannie Helen Melcer, “Billie trains as hard as a young Olympian.”  

Away from the pool, Billie has also achieved much recognition.  The State of Rhode Island proclaimed her Rhode Island’s Woman of the Year in Communication and the Arts, Who’s Who of American Women recognized her in 1977-1978, and the North Providence Sports Hall of Fame inducted her on August 21, 1988.

Today, Billie continues to break records, win championships, and extol the values of swimming.