ANGUS Von Douglas decided to take up swimming at the age of 63 due to a boating accident that left him with an injured back.

“The doctor recommended swimming to strengthen my back,” says Angus.

20 years later and Angus is still swimming and winning gold medals in most events he competes in. He is now recognised as the fastest 80-85 year old breaststroke swimmer in Queensland and a proud member of the Barbarians Masters Swim Team.

Mr Von Douglas is celebrating another Masters event, recently competing in ive events at the MSQ State LC Championships in Mackay and bringing home four gold medals and one silver. He was also celebrating his wedding anniversary to Fe at the same time.

His gold medal wins were the 100 metre, 200m, 400m and 800m breaststroke, with a silver medal in the 50 metre event.

So why didn’t he take on the 1500 metre event? 

“The 1500 and the 200 were too close together. Also the water was too warm. Mackay was hot!” 

He also made mention of seven other Hervey Bay swimmers that performed well at the meet that represented the region with distinction.

Angus turns 83 in June and has no plans in slowing down. He tries to do five to six Masters Events each year and enjoys the thrill of winning.

“I win four gold medals most of the time at these events, so I like to compete”, says Mr Von Douglas.

He not only does his regular swimming, but you can also see Angus on a bicycle riding with local Hervey Bay ‘Bugs’ along the streets of Hervey Bay.

“I love the morning ride and the coffee time afterwards.”