Returning home with one silver and three bronze medals from the 2026 Dunedin Masters Games, Anne Barker has shown that commitment – and access to a local pool – is key to supporting swimmers of all ages.
As a “self-taught, uncoached swimmer”, Anne admitted she had long grappled with imposter syndrome in the pool.
Despite this, she said the annual Masters Games – held alternately in Dunedin and Whanganui – were consistently encouraging.
“I come home inspired,” she told The Profile, “by the beautiful swimming, by the advanced age of some of the swimmers, and by their courage. People in their 80s were competing and competing strongly. New Zealand age group records were smashed. It was an amazing three days.”
Now in its 37th year, the New Zealand Masters Games is Aotearoa’s largest and longest-running multisport festival, featuring more than 60 sports and over 300 individual events. Minimum ages vary by sport, from 18 for Gymsports to 35 for netball, with most around 30. There is no upper age limit.
Anne has attended four Masters Games, and said it all began when a colleague at work mentioned he was playing rugby at the event and described what a great experience it was.
“He challenged me to give it a go and enter the swimming. That challenge meant that I kept on swimming,” she said.
Competing at the Games had also pushed her to step beyond the ‘useless at sport’ image she once had.
“I have always been an enthusiastic participator, but attaining the F team in netball at age 11 didn’t really inspire me with huge confidence in my sporting ability,” she said.
“After each competition, I check out the qualifying times for the World Aquatics. This year, my times were inside the qualifying times. I still can’t really believe that. One day, I will investigate further and maybe dip my toe in that water.”
Anne said swimming did wonderful things for your body, your aerobic fitness, and for many, their mental health. She encouraged anyone curious about their own abilities to give the Masters Games a go.
She also stressed the importance of maintaining a local swimming facility for the wider community, with the Thames Centennial Pool slated for demolition in 2027 – and no firm plans for its replacement.
Anne said the uncertainty raised concerns not just for her own swimming, but for aquarobics classes, rehabilitation programs for those recovering from injury or illness, learn-to-swim and water confidence classes, school swimming sports, Supported Lifestyle swimmers, and many others who relied on the pool.
According to Thames-Coromandel District Council, the Thames Community Board voted in March 2025 on a business case recommending an all-indoor facility at a projected cost of $26.2 million. Decision-making was then delayed by the October local body elections, and the newly elected council is expected to discuss the issue early in 2026.
“Time is running short,” Anne said, “and there are many patrons who would love to ensure ongoing access to a pool for a further 50 years.”
BY KELLEY TANTAU
