Om Autar Seth who has been battling asthma for nearly 50 years, took up swimming as an exercise with such gusto that on Monday, he is travelling from Hyderabad to New Zealand to compete in the World Master Games held in Auckland. While most people of his age would like to enjoy a stroll in the park, Seth prefers to spend hours at the swimming pool.

 After a 20-year-long stint at Steel Authority Of India Limited, Seth turned a professional swimmer raking in gold medals at swimming competitions. Despite his health condition, he pursued swimming and encourages all those suffering from asthma to take up swimming. Even at 82, Seth is capable of swimming for an hour at a stretch.

Seth will be participating  in the 400 and 800 metre freestyle categories at Auckland. This is the first time he is taking part in an international sporting event. He has won prizes at national-level swimming competitions held by the Swimming Federation of India in Trivandrum, Bhopal and Indore.

The secret of his fitness is that he sticks to a rigorous regimen. A long morning walk coupled with Tai Chi classes and endless hours at a local swimming pool has kept him fit and active even at this ripe age.