A former Olympic swimmer has reinvented her career and has found satisfaction in helping others through life's troubled waters.
Rosemarie "Bud" Seaman is an exercise physiologist who specializes in training plus-sized individuals — people who are more than 100 pounds overweight.
"I realized they didn't want to be in a group," Seaman said. "They didn't want to be the largest person in the class."
As a competitive swimmer, Seaman set four would records, six U.S. records, 12 national records and more than 20 state records. She was inducted into the Winter Park High School Sports Hall of Fame.
But behind the medals of Seaman — a former Olympic swimmer and triathlete — is a competitive spirit to help others.
Years ago, she was race director for a charity run started for her friend, Kathy Stillwell, as she battled multiple sclerosis. Seaman also served as executive director for the foundation that built handicapped playgrounds in support of an innovation program called Grandma's House.
Today, Seaman's entire gym pitches in to help the homeless.
"The first time I went out, I thought I knew what they wanted," Seaman said. "And I'm like, 'Why aren't you taking apples? These are so easy.' And what I found out is a lot of them don't have teeth, so they can't eat apples. So, I sat down and talked to some of them."
Now, the gym rounds up blankets, shoes and ground tarps and works with a local church to make sure they get to those in need.
But for Seaman, it's a win for everyone.
"I was born and raised here," she said. "I love this community, and they celebrated me as they grew in my athletic career. I always wanted to give back."