95-year-old swimmer sets new world record in 200m backstroke event

According to masters.kazan2015.com, Hungarian swimmer Bela Banki Horvath set the new world record (5:24.20) in the 200m backstroke event in the 95-99 age group. The previous record in this event and this very age group was set 21 years ago. By the way, 95-year-old swimmer Bela Banki Horvath is the maturest athlete at the 16th FINA World Masters Championships.

The Hungarian swimmer took questions from a reporter of the Kazan 2015 OC’s Press Office and revealed the secret of his longevity and amazing physical condition.

– How do you feel after the heat?

– Excellent. Pretty fresh, pretty healthy.

– What about the water?

– It was something unusual for me, something new, frankly I did not expect to swim so good. The water was also perfect and I broke the record. The previous one was set 21 years ago. It is a success!

– Have you competed at the Masters tournament before?

– Of course I have. It was 23 years ago when I first competed at these Championships. I’ve grabbed 13 gold medals over this time.

– What is the secret of your perfect physical condition?

– Good nutrition, healthy lifestyle and undoubtedly regular sport activities!

– How much time do you dedicate to sport?

– Not that much actually as I used to, I am 95 years old now but I every two days I still race 800m and try to do morning exercises.

– What can you wish younger athletes?