For Vernon residents Robynne and Kurt Ouchi, the thought of travelling across the world to compete in a competitive sport seemed like it was reserved for professional athletes and youth.
But, in 2025, they got just that opportunity.
The husband and wife duo just got back from a trip to the International Masters Games (IMG), which was held in Taipei, Taiwan.
The event brought together 25,000 senior athletes in 35 different sports. The Ouchi's competed in swimming.
“Sport for life and building a global community of friends through athletics are the driving themes, and you can feel it.” Robynne describes. “Being new to the games, I didn’t realize you could cross disciplines, and that blew my mind.”
The competition is for anyone 30 years of age and older, and is known as the world's largest multi-sport event combining sport, fun and travel with like-minded people.
“We were shocked when a new German friend started talking about his boat being re-routed to India, and he hoped he could borrow someone’s for the race," said Kurt. "Another new international friend had a SUP race between his pool and open water racing schedule, and the Taiwanese coach had surf-lifeguarding the following week.”
Athletes are allowed to compete in seven events, and can choose from an array of sports, in both individual and team settings.
The couple is a part of the Vernon Masters Swim Club back home, and used the experience to claim numerous medals.
Robynne (competing in the 45 and up age category) won a gold in the 50 metre backstroke and 800 m freestyle while also collecting silvers in the 100 m backstroke, 100 m and 50 m freestyle, with a bronze also added to her tally in the 4 x 50 m medley relay
Meanwhile, Kurt won five golds, in the 50 and 100 m backstroke, and 50, 100 and 200 m butterfly.
More information on the competition can be found at imga.ch.
