Olympians recapture competitive spirit at World Masters Games

24 | 4 | 2017

The World Masters Games, the world’s largest multisport event, is underway in Auckland, New Zealand, welcoming 28,000 athletes from 100 countries across 28 sports and 45 disciplines.

The unique event, which is supported by the IOC, offers masters athletes of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete again on the world stage in an Olympic-style, multi-sport format. Sport is a lifelong passion for many Olympians and the World Masters Games provides a valuable pathway, allowing Olympians to retain a connection to their sport and the sporting community after their professional retirement.

Taking part this year on home soil is double Olympian and WOA Executive Board member Chantal Brunner, who will compete in long jump. Brunner is full of praise for the event, which she believes can give Olympians a new and inspiring competitive outlet after they have retired from international sport.

“There’s a real sense of camaraderie around the World Masters Games”, said New Zealand’s Chantal Brunner. “With so many athletes from around the world coming together to take part in this fun and compelling event, it’s reminiscent of my time competing as an Olympian at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000.

“I love having the option of extending my career in this way as it enables me to maintain a connection to the sport that I love in a world-class setting. It also provides a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and fellow Olympians and share our experiences from past Games as well as what we have been up to since.”

This year, the New Zealand Olympians Commission has established a drop-in centre for all Olympians who are attending the World Masters Games. Inspired by WOA’s Olympians Reunion Centre at Rio 2016, this fantastic addition to the event encourages Olympians visiting Auckland for the Games to meet up in a social environment, make new friends and share their Olympic stories and experiences with other Olympians.

For Olympians in Auckland, the Olympian drop-in centre is located at The Cloud Entertainment Hub, Queens Wharf.

You can follow all the action from the World Masters Games on http://www.worldmastersgames2017.co.nz/

Image credit: Getty Images