The six silver medals were a triumph, but it’s the friendships Joan Gunn cherishes most from her time at the World Masters Games in Taipei.
The 69-year-old athlete recently returned from the international event, which brought together 25,000 sports enthusiasts from around the world.
“It was a fabulous trip,” says Gunn. “Besides doing well in my swimming, I met some great people. I had people to hang out with. The weather was unbelievably hot and humid, so I melted somewhat, but other than that, I lived to tell the tale. It was great.”
The World Masters Games is the largest multi-sport festival for adults and typically takes place every four years. Since its launch in 1985, it has grown into a vibrant celebration of active living for athletes aged 30 and up. The swimming events alone attracted 1,200 participants.
“I call it the old people’s Olympics because it’s all the sports, but what’s nice is there’s no qualifying,” Gunn explains.
Her fondest memories stem from two relay medals earned with an international team she joined through a Facebook group set up for athletes attending the games. She responded to a post from an Indian swimmer looking to form a mixed relay team.
“We just gelled,” says Gunn. “It was four people who had never met before. It’s cool to say I swam a relay with two gentlemen from India and a lady from France—and now we’re lifelong friends.”
The group remains in touch and is already planning to reunite at the 2029 Games in Perth, Australia.
Gunn also earned four individual silver medals—in the 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke and 50m butterfly.
She highly recommends the World Masters Games and similar events like Alberta 55+, where she’s also competed.
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Gunn is one of three coaches with the Cochrane Masters Swimming Club. The season resumes in October following the annual September pool shutdown. Registration opens Sept. 15.
The beauty of Masters swimming is that you set your own priorities. Some do it for fitness, others for competition, some to improve their technique—and many for all of the above. And then there’s the social aspect, which you can never discount.
Registration opens on Sept. 15.
For more on the Cochrane Masters Swimming Club here.