Cairns swimmer, 86, joins masters action
JIM Nimmo was going to retire from competitive swimming this year.
Instead, the 86-year-old Earlville resident will be the oldest swimmer in the water at the Queensland Masters State Short Course Swimming Championships starting in Cairns today.
Nimmo couldn’t bring himself to say no when the Cairns Mudcrabs Masters Swimming Club came calling.
"Being a life member of the Mudcrabs, I thought I’d like to come back and help them out," he said yesterday.
"It’s also good for me, although sometimes you wonder. Especially in this hot weather."
Nimmo’s presence is also good for the host club. As the only swimmer nominated in the 85-89 years men’s division, he is guaranteed to rack up some valuable points for the Mudcrabs.
Nimmo grew up at Oak Park Station where he worked until his retirement in 1984.
He was persuaded by friends to join masters swimming soon after his arrival in Cairns and has stuck with the sport ever since.
"I could always swim because we were lucky enough to have a river right next to the house at Oak Park," he said.
Nimmo did not take to competition like a duck to water, but gradually his confidence grew and he found the club to be a valuable social outlet.
Nimmo’s career highlights include individual bronze medals and a relay gold in the World Masters Games in Brisbane in 1994 when he was competing in the 70-74 years division.
One of his medals was presented to him by former Australian 1500m hero Kieran Perkins, providing Nimmo with another highlight.
At 86 years young, Nimmo’s reasons for sticking with swimming are the same as those of most masters’ competitors.
"It’s the comradeship and getting a little bit fitter," he said.
"You haven’t got to be a fast swimmer, masters swimming embraces everyone."
The state championships will be contested at the TAS Aquatic Centre at White Rock with competition concluding on Sunday.
More than 200 competitors aged 20 and older will be in action over the three days, including more than 100 in today’s 400m beginning at 4pm. Competition tomorrow and Sunday starts at 8.30am.
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Staying competitive: Jim Nimmo, 86, prepares for this weekend’s Queensland Masters State Short Course Championships. Picture: JAKE NOWAKOWSKI
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