Gordonvale Masters Games competitor Kevin Murgatroyd, 94, is going swimmingly

Gordonvale Masters Games competitor Kevin Murgatroyd, 94, is going swimmingly, thank you very much, as the oldest competitor among 2400 at the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games this year

Great Barrier Reef Masters Games 2025 competitor, Kevin Murgatroyd, 94 years age category, in action.

Eight swimming races in two days is no easy feat at any age, but 94-year-old Gordonvale athlete, Kevin Murgatroyd, says he takes it all at his own pace.

Mr Murgatroyd, a former surf life saver and member of the Cairns Mudcrabs, started swimming competitively in his 70s, and was the oldest competitor at this year’s Masters Games in Cairns.

He signed up for a full schedule of races in backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle, and got ‘roped in’ to a medley relay in a younger age group.

“I would describe myself as a recreational swimmer for most of my life – I swam in creeks and the Mulgrave River – BC – before crocodiles,” Mr Murgatroyd said.

“It’s always good fun and there is a mix of people from all over – New Zealand, Singapore, Chile – and everyone is friendly.”

GBRMG Ambassador Ash Brazill, a former Australian netballer and Freemantle Football Club AFLW player, with the Games' oldest competitor, Kevin Murgatroyd, competing in the 94 years category.

More than 2000 competitors took to the track, field, pool, diamond, court and course over the weekend in Cairns for the 2025 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games.

The Games were hosted in Cairns for the seventh time this year, bringing together masters-aged athletes from around Australia and the world, including swimmers and athletes in their 90s.

Competitors fought it out in 22 sports over four days, with new events like indoor rowing, wakeboarding, futsal, and pickleball included alongside traditional favourites such as netball, hockey, golf, baseball and swimming.

Great Barrier Reef Masters Games 2025 competitors in action.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the event was about community camaraderie, competition and “celebrating what’s possible at any age”.

“It’s truly inspiring to see competitors, who are mostly over 30, taking part in a range of sports, including a 94-year-old local who’s still diving into the pool, and a 90-year-old visitor from Victoria who’ll be taking to the track.”

Cr Eden said around 70 per cent of competitors were visitors to the city, giving Cairns a an economic boost.

“The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games are a huge win for our city – it pumps over $4 million into the local economy, and best of all, people head home raving about our city and region,” Cr Eden said.

GBRMG Ambassador Ash Brazill, a former Australian netballer and Freemantle Football Club AFLW player, pictured here with netball competitors.

State Member for Barron River, Bree James said Cairns was further building its reputation as a premier sporting destination.

She said the Games followed a strong month of Masters events in the region, including the Hockey Masters trans-Tasman Challenge and the UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships.

“The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games is another great example of how we are on track to making Queensland and in particular, FNQ, the Events Capital of Australia,” Ms James said.

“After the recent success of Crankworx Cairns last weekend, I am beyond excited to welcome another action-packed line-up of sporting events.

“This is great news for our tourism operators, hospitality businesses, and the entire Cairns community.”

The games are hosted by Cairns Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland with support from Team Elite.

Originally published as Gordonvale Masters Games competitor Kevin Murgatroyd, 94, is going swimmingly