Britain's oldest swimmer still making a splash at 99 with SIX world records
SOME might say that at 99, John Harrison should be taking it easy but Britain's oldest swimmer is still making a splash – by breaking SIX world records.
John, who will be 100 in July, is the second oldest competitive swimmer in the world (behind Jaring Timmerman of Canada, 105).
Not content with six world records though, the pensioner also holds a staggering 15 European and 46 British records.
The former Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer seems to have no intention of letting age slow him down and he continues to train weekly at his local swimming club.
John, from Godalming, Surrey, explained his love of the water: "When I first started I was not a very good swimmer but I am like a penguin. Once I am in the water I am happy.
"I like the training. I normally train once a week in the pool but 'dry train' every day for half an hour with strength ropes.
"It is relaxing, a good sport and there is a bit of a challenge about it. I enjoy it as there is good company.
"People worry about how I should get in the water but I just dive straight in.
"I am quite pleased with myself in a way, not proud though as someone had to do it, so why shouldn't it be me?"
The grandad-of-two began racing in 1992, aged 77, after his late wife Doris begged him to give up sub aqua diving.
He now competes for the Godalming and Royal Navy masters swimming clubs.
But John's impressive achievements might never have happened – he was lucky to escape with his life when he was injured in an explosion on the HMS Belfast in 1939.
He said: "I never thought about giving up. When my body tells me to stop I will. The doctors said I should maybe think about stopping because of my bad neck.
"I invalided out the Navy in 1945. I got blown up on HMS Belfast which didn't do my spine any good at all.
"I have never had any injuries in the pool though.
"My family friends think I am very lucky and a bit of a marvel.
"When people ask me what I aim for I always say the same, I just want to live until tomorrow and if I do that will be a bonus.
"I am just a swimmer. A lucky one. I shouldn't really be here after HMS Belfast. Most of the crew aren't."
John is a fan of all four strokes in the pool and currently holds the world records in the 50m and 200m backstroke, 50m and 100m freestyle and 50m and 100m backstroke short course.
Everyone who knows John is in awe of his athleticism.
Bob Cox, vice president at Godalming Swimming Club said: "I first met him when he came and asked me to start competitive swimming.
"He is just unbelievable. He is an inspiration to everyone he comes into contact with, especially the kids and masters swimmers, they think he is fantastic.
"He is not big-headed with it at all, he is very humble about what he has achieved. We are so lucky to have him here."
Godalming Leisure Centre manager Dave Webb said: "John is a fantastic inspiration for all of us here, he leads the way encouraging all ages from our junior swimming academy to our 50+ active lifestyle participants to continue their fitness journey."
