Ipswich Man, 84, Wins World Swimming Medal after 70 years

An 84 -year -old man said that after 70 years, it seemed “amazing” to achieve his dream of becoming a world swimming champion.

Michael read MBE, who lives in Ipswich, began swimming at the age of 14 and went 33 times to swim the English channel.

In late July and during August, he competed at several events at the World Aquatics Masters Championship in Singapore.

He won gold in 3 km open water swimming and won the silver medal of the house in other programs in the pool.

“It seems absolutely surprising, it was a 70 -year -old dream,” said Mr. Reid.

“I have always told myself, even if I have to keep going till the age of 100, I will become a world masters champion, so now I have ticking it at 84.

“I have to think about some other things now.”

Mr. Reid said that during his open water race on July 27, the water temperature was allowed “incredibly warm” and “close to the maximum temperature”.

He said that there is diversity in the conditions, and he also said while struggling with rough water as well as streams.

While the other contestants were out of the race, Mr. Reid still had to complete the race in 90 minutes.

He crossed the finish line in 87 minutes and 32 seconds.

Mr. Reid also brought a silver medal in the 400 meter individual medley (IM) in the pool, as well as many others in the relay events.

Overall, he said that it was a “great experience” and he was now looking forward to the swimming England National Masters Championship in the Sheffield in October.

Asked why he likes swimming, Mr. Reid said: “This is the second way, this is a love affair.

“I just love it. Others like coffee or cigarette or do other things, swimming is the last for me.

“It keeps you fit, it enables you to go to cute places as I have gone, I make friends, I look at the world, I have got a lot to be so grate.”