Abu dhabi: Veteran swimmers in their 80s have their own stories to tell about their age-defying journey, and a few of them do the talking in the pool by racking up medals at the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi (OMGAD) at the Abu Dhabi Aquatics Club here. Among them are familiar names in the world aquatics masters championships, including United Kingdom Olympian Michael Read, known as a long-distance swimmer for having crossed the English Channel 33 times already.

According to Philippines News Agency, in the OMGAD, the 85-year-old Read lived up to his billing after capturing four gold medals in the 400m and 800m freestyle, as well as 200m and 400 individual medley events in the men's 85+ category. 'I came here just to enjoy the competition, and I'm happy that I have achieved more than that,' the 1960 Olympian, who also bagged silver in the 100m and 200m freestyle, said in an interview.

Ahmed Hamada also took the limelight in the 85+ group, as the 87-year-old Egyptian fished out five golds in 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle events, as well as 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly after the seven days of competition.