The Murrurundi resident, who turns 80 in December, and his dedicated coach and wife Robin returned with a swag of gold medals around their necks.

Stanford competed in five events in the 80 to 84 men’s division – the 50 metre, 100 metre, 200 metre, 400 metre and 800 metre freestyle – and won gold in all.

Stanford was also set to pound the pool at the Men’s Australian Winter Champions in Sydney on Sunday but was unfortunately struck down by a virus. 

He says he’s now on the mend and keen to hit the pool again in preparation for more upcoming competitions in November including the NSW Long Course Championships in Sydney where he will attempt to break the 1500 metre record for his age group and the Pan Pacific Masters Games at the Gold Coast.

“It was a great experience,” Stanford said.

“There were about 10 Australians that went and the way they conducted themselves really made you proud to be an Australian. 

“Of all the people that took part in the games, which included competitors from 64 countries, I think per swimmer, we [the Australians] were the top swimmers.”

Stanford competed against swimmers from China, Finland, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, France, New Zealand and Australia. 

“We wanted to dedicate the whole year to seeing how far we could go and we will finish it off now with the Pan Pacific and there’s not much competition after that,” he said. 

The achievement caps off recent success for the passionate swimmer – representing the Sutherland Sandbern Masters Swimming Club at the Australian Masters Swimming Championships in Perth in April, his club broke a national and state record.

“When we were at the Australian [Masters Swimming Championships] the competition was a lot better, but here [Malaysia] there wasn't the competitors.

“We hope at the Pan Pacific Masters Games in November at the Gold Coast there will be some tougher competition, with a lot of stronger swimmers competing such as Japanese, Americans and Europeans.

“Our aim this year was to do all the major events – the Australian championships, the Asian championships and the Pan Pacific championships in his 80^th year,” Robin added. 

Colin attributed his success to his wife Robin whose guidance he says has been the most important thing to him.

“Why I’m getting better now is I just concentrate on my stroke and having Robin here, she’s been able to correct my stroke all the time, telling me I’m not stroking long enough or I’m not turning enough on my side or I’m not kicking enough. 

“It’s muscle memory after a while. 

“What I’d like to do is just encourage some of the other people in my area – we’d love to get them out and doing something.”

Colin also thanked Upper Hunter Shire Council for their support, who have awarded him with two $500 grants to assist with his travel expenses along the way.