Swimming started at the World Masters Games 2025 Taipei & New Taipei City today (18th) at Tianmu Campus, University of Taipei.
97-year-old Tang Cheng-Yao participated in the Women’s 50m Breaststroke – 95+, won gold with 2’27″40 winning a full house applause and responding to the audience with a thumbs-up after she finished. 13 family members of the 95-year-old Chen Yen Ti cheered him on when he competed in Men’s 100m Backstroke – 95+, which he won gold with 3’27″82. In addition, para-athlete Chang Wei Chieh snatched gold in Men’s 100m Backstroke (Para) with 2’10″23, which also broke his personal best, demonstrating resolute spirits.
“I never imagined that I could still have the chance to participate in such a spectacular international event at such an age.” the 97-year-old Tang said with a smile. “I’m delighted.” She swam across the Sun Moon Lake and Cijin before, and now she’s on the international stage. “The environment here’s great.” Tang said proudly. “My experience today was also excellent!” When it comes to longevity, she gives credits to her faith and swimming, which grant her tranquil minds and physical health.”I always say to my grandchildren,” Tang said with a smile. “Granny’s going to reach 100!”
Another highly expected athlete was the 95-year-old Chen Yen Ti. He competed today with 13 family members cheering on him. “I was in the water for three minutes,” Chen Yen Ti said with emotions. “But my family spent a lot of effort to support me.” Chen said that the key for him to maintain his physical ability was that his eldest son swam with him twice a week for the past five and half years. They swam around 1,600 m every time and have accumulated more than 550 km so far. “My son swam with me,” Chen said with a smile. “That’s why I could swim so well.” “My dad’s wish for life is to participate in a worldly event,” Chen’s son added. “He accomplished his dream today.”
Para-athlete Chang Wei Chieh also performed well today, winning gold with 2’10″23 and breaking his personal best. “This event allows para-athletes to stand on the same stage as regular athletes.” He said happily. “This is meaningful. Everyone would know that we can do it, and there’s nothing different with us.”
Chang Wei Chieh has participated in the Asian Para Games twice, and he admitted that the reason why he could break his record was losing weight and enhancing his stretch. “I was too heavy and too tense before,” Chang said. “It’s a big difference now that I’m thinner.” When it comes to being the athlete’s oath-taker at the Welcome Ceremony, Chang said he was delighted that he could stand next to his baseball idol, Chou Szu-chi. “I watch baseball every day,” Chang said. “I was really excited to see him!”
