New Zealand Masters Games 2019

swimming pool where I train
By Val
@valmnz (17097)
New Zealand
February 4, 2019 12:51am CST
You may have heard of the Masters sports movement, where adults participate competitively in a wide range of sports. It's not uncommon to see adults in their 80s and 90s taking part, either as individuals or in a team sport. The New Zealand Masters Games are currently being held in Whanganui, about an hour away from my home. This year is the 30th anniversary of the event. This year there are 67 sports and about 8,000 competitors. If you want to know more do a Google search for New Zealand Masters Games 2019. I'm competing in the swimming over the next two days, six events: 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, 50m and 400m freestyle and 25m butterfly. My husband and I used to compete regularly, but we've had a break for quite a few years. In 2018 I decided it was time to start participating again. The swimming is divided into five year age groups. I'm in the 65-69 group, although I'm only weeks away from my birthday, taking me into the next age group! There are not too many women in my age group, so I'm expecting to do reasonably well. The photo above is the local pool I've been training in since summer started. In the winter I train indoors. I'll let you know later in the week how I get on.
12 people like this
12 responses
@JudyEv (347846)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Feb 19
How cool is that? The very best of luck to you. I hope you do really well.
1 person likes this
@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
Thanks Judy, I still get nervous and excited just like a kid!
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
7 Feb 19
@JudyEv eventually I guess the swimming results will go on to either the NZ Masters Games 2019 site and/or the New Zealand Masters Swimming site. With so many sports participating the results are confined to their sporting bodies rather than as news items. I haven't looked but there was definitely media coverage at the swimming so no doubt that went into the local paper. I've posted a post with my results :-)
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@JudyEv (347846)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Feb 19
@valmnz I'm sure you do and you wouldn't swim your best if you weren't a bit nervous. I can't find any results on the web yet.
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@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
4 Feb 19
Good luck, this sounds exciting.
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
It should be lots of fun, always quite a social occasion with so many fit oldies around
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
@CarolDM swimming is the only sport I've ever been any good at.
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@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
4 Feb 19
@valmnz Something to be proud of for sure.
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@BelleStarr (61338)
• United States
5 Feb 19
You are amazing, a wonder woman. I hope you do really well.
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
7 Feb 19
Thanks. I've just posted an update on how I went
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@LadyDuck (472509)
• Switzerland
4 Feb 19
I have heard of Masters sports game, I have seen a few days ago a over 100 year old woman winning a running race. Congratulations for participating Val, I know you will do a great competition.
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
Thanks Anna. It's always so inspiring to see people such as the 100year old woman running.
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@LadyDuck (472509)
• Switzerland
5 Feb 19
@valmnz She did a good time considering the age.
@noni1959 (10283)
• United States
4 Feb 19
How exciting! Yes, let us know how you did.
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
There are over 100 swimmers competing.
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@noni1959 (10283)
• United States
4 Feb 19
@valmnz That is quite a few. Is it warm there?
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
@noni1959 very warm at the moment. It's 8.30 pm now and just starting to cool down a little.
@DianneN (247183)
• United States
4 Feb 19
That is awesome. I wish you well and itching to hear how you fared.
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
I'm on the countdown for the first session tonight. Nine hours till warm up before the races
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
@DianneN Thanks
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@DianneN (247183)
• United States
4 Feb 19
@valmnz Very exciting! Good luck to you!!!!!!!
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@allknowing (141857)
• India
4 Feb 19
This sure is a new lease of life for oldies Go for it and good luck
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
The Masters movement has definitely grown over the years.
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• China
4 Feb 19
You are good at swimming ,thus you are tipped to win the prize.Good luck!
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
Thanks. I do have a bit of serious competition!
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@xFiacre (13255)
• Ireland
4 Feb 19
@valmnz Go Val! Best of luck
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
I shall go as fast as I can
@garymarsh6 (23410)
• United Kingdom
4 Feb 19
OH excellent and good luck!
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
Thanks Gary, I usually do play, but you never know!
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@just4him (318846)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
4 Feb 19
I hope you do well. Great experience for you.
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
4 Feb 19
Wish you all the best. This sounds like a very interesting and inclusive event . Have a lot of fun, to participate in them is certainly very cool
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@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
4 Feb 19
It's always so much fun and certainly inspiring to see people of all ages and abilities taking part.
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