MAIDA Vale Masters swimming club member Gladys McGough is 96 and setting records as the lone WA swimmer in her age group.

Competing at a recent two-day Masters swimming meet in Mandurah, Ms McGough set six inaugural state records and one national record.

The event was held at an outdoor 25m pool and brought together swimmers from 26 clubs across the state with competitors across all age groups.

Maida Vale Masters president Andrea Williams said Ms McGough’s performance stood out even among strong swimmers.

Ms McGough competed in six individual events and two relays across the weekend, having only returned to training late last year after a two-year break due to illness.

Mrs Williams said while Ms McGough is the only swimmer in her age group competing in the state, there were others her age over east, and she continues to measure herself against national standards.

“There are other swimmers in the eastern states in her age group which is why she only went for the one national record,” she said.

“But the fact she’s back in the water and competing at that level is incredible.”

Ms McGough had been an advanced swimmer ever since she got her bronze medallion when she was 27.

She has since kept up the habit for 69 years.

“Every time I get in the water, I set a new state record,” Ms McGough said.

“It’s a privilege to be swimming at this level at my age.

“I’ve had friends I lost to dementia and other illnesses.

“I’ve had many fantastic opportunities in my life, and I don’t take any of it for granted.”

Ms McGough said the sport of swimming had given her a fulfilling life so far.

“It was wonderful getting to coach swimmers at the Bayswater Club and years later running into one of my swimmers who had gone into a coaching role of her own,” she said.

“Another part of it all was getting involved with the Community Youth Support Scheme.

“We worked with unemployed young people and got kids into jobs.

“Some of them are now swimming coaches and pool managers and gone on to help others love to swim.”

Apart from the potential for social good, Ms McGough said what kept her passionate about the sport was the community.

“None of this is possible by myself and I am so fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible community,” she said.

“The people in this sport have been there to support me when I was fit and when I was unwell.

“Having good people will keep you going.”

Ms McGough isn’t planning on stopping any time soon with a swim in Lake Leschenaultia planned soon.