Michael Read shines at Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi
An 84-year-old British swimmer, hailed as the King of the Channel, has returned triumphant from the Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi, claiming an impressive haul of five gold medals and two silvers, reports BritPanorama.
Michael Read, from Ipswich, who has crossed the English Channel an extraordinary 33 times throughout his career, competed in the international multi-sport event held this month. He achieved gold in five events within his age category, including the 5km open water race, the 400m and 200m individual medley, as well as the 800m and 400m freestyle competitions.
The 84-year-old’s silver medals came in the 100m and 200m freestyle disciplines. Abu Dhabi’s Open Masters bills itself as the largest mass-participation sporting event in the region, attracting more than 25,000 athletes competing across 38 different sports.
Mr Read’s success in the Gulf follows his gold medal performance at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore last year, where he topped the podium in the 3km open water swimming event.
“It was a lovely venue, nice and warm, and the people were so unbelievably friendly – it was a great experience,” Mr Read said of the competition. As an MBE holder who first took up swimming at the age of 14, he shows no indication of slowing down.
The veteran swimmer maintains his commitment to the sport by visiting Crown Pools in Ipswich daily, alongside regular participation in competitions around the world. He remarked, “Every day is a new adventure, I love competing and I like meeting friends, and it’s nice when people say I inspired them,” reflecting on his motivation and the impact he hopes to have on younger generations.
Mr Read’s journey in competitive swimming began as a teenager when he joined Brighton Swimming Club. Within five years, he earned selection for the British team at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Unfortunately, a scooter accident days prior to the competition dashed his Olympic dreams. However, he has accumulated remarkable honours since then, receiving an MBE for his services to swimming and gaining induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
“I don’t think I’ll ever stop swimming. I’ve now got to have new ambitions, possibly a second world championship,” he declared, looking ahead with renewed enthusiasm.
As he enjoys individual success, Read’s achievements resonate beyond the pool, a testament to endurance and passion in a realm where age is merely a number. His story serves as a reminder of how sports can inspire across generations, proving that the fire of competition can blaze brightly well into one’s later years.
