Fitness, fun and thrills at just 92

NICOLE GOURLEY/Southland Times

GYMBUNNY: Aucklander Kath Johnstone, 92, is in Invercargill this weekend to compete in the New Zealand masters swimming championships at Splash Palace.

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Ninety-two-year-old Kath Johnstone lives to have fun and has fun to live.

It's the secret behind what keeps her going, she said.

The sprightly Aucklander is in Invercargill this weekend to compete in the 90-94 age group in six freestyle events at the New Zealand masters swimming championships at Splash Palace.

Mrs Johnstone said she had always been one to keep fit and have fun.

She has competed at the Masters Games since she was 74 and said she stepped up her daily activities after turning 70.

Her fitness regime includes 20 minutes of bed exercises each morning, going to the gym almost every day and swimming on the days she's not at the gym.

On top of being a busy gym bunny, Mrs Johnstone is also a bit of a thrillseeker.

Her list of adventure sports include skydiving, whitewater rafting, rally driving and gliding.

Mrs Johnstone confessed she was the "naughty one" among the 10 independent residents at Abbeyfield House in Sandringham, Auckland, where she lives. "I'm the cheeky, naughty one. I make them dress up at Christmas and birthdays ... they all moan and groan about it, but afterwards they always say `what a wonderful evening'."

It was the first time Mrs Johnstone had been to Invercargill and she said she had had a lovely time so far.

"I wouldn't mind living here at all ... I think the pool's wonderful, I really do."

amy.milne@stl.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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