But, Murrurundi "superfish" Col Stanford claimed a rare victory at this month's Winter Swimming Association of Australia's 44th National Championships 2019 at Cottesloe in Western Australia.

The spritely octogenarian won the 80-plus 50m freestyle in a sizzling time of 38 seconds.

Surprisingly, it was his first gold in the winter format.

"I usually attend every year; and I've placed second and third a lot," he said.

"However, even though I have dominated at the Aussie Masters in the past, it's the first time I've prevailed in this [competition].

"Since I've never been a great sprinter, I had to change my stroke as I'm facing better opposition in the short distance swims.

"I guess it's a bit of a novelty [for me].

"But, I can now tick it off my bucket list.

"I'm keen to defend my crown at Orange in 2020.

"Even though, in my age division, I'll still be swimming in it at 84, so I'll be up against some 'young guns' in the coming years."

Although a long-standing Upper Hunter resident, Stanford had to dive into the event as a member of the Cronulla Polar Bears.

"I used to live down there [in Sydney]," he said.

"Unfortunately, there are no winter swimming clubs in this region.

"So, I join up with the Polar Bears to compete.

"I still love it [swimming].

"I train three days a week at Muswellbrook, while my wife Robin does aqua aerobics.

"She's my rock.

"We've even started Tai Chi together, which I think will help me down the track, too."

Stanford is now readying himself for a busy schedule in the Australian Masters ranks.

"I'm eyeing off a few more events," he said.

"I have the NSW Short Course Long Distance Championships at Woy Woy in October and the NSW Long Course Championships at Blacktown a month later.

"Then there's the big one, the Pan Pacific Games, in Brisbane in 2020."