Om Seth: The 82-Year-Old Asthmatic Swimmer Who Became a National Champion

Discipline and a stress-free life help octogenarian Om Seth be a champion  swimmer - The Hindu

What do you call a man who doesn’t let asthma, age, or expectations stop him from chasing his dreams? You call him Om Seth— an 82-year-old powerhouse from Hyderabad who is redefining what it means to grow older.

A retired metallurgical engineer from the Rourkela Steel Plant, Om didn’t slow down after retirement — he sped up. In fact, he swam full force into a second life, one that turned him into a national-level swimming champion and a role model for active ageing in India.

A Stroke of Destiny at 59

His journey began in 2002, when a coach noticed his graceful strokes and encouraged him to compete. At the age of 59, Om took a leap — or rather, a dive — and never looked back.

In 2004, he won his first silver medal at the 2nd National Masters Swimming Championship in Rajkot. That victory ignited a fire within him. Just a year later, he clinched 4 gold and 2 bronze medals in Trivandrum. His medals aren’t just wins — they’re reminders that it’s never too late to start. Want to feel this alive at 82? Your loved ones can — and it starts today.
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Swimming is like lying in mother's lap', says 88-year-old swimmer Om Seth

From India to New Zealand: Dreams Know No Age

Representing Telangana State, Om collected 2 silver and 2 bronze medalsnin multiple national meets. But his proudest moment came in 2017, when he competed at the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand. Against international champions, he finished 4th in the 400m freestyle finals — proving once again that passion outswims age.

The Secret Behind His Strength

“Age attracts diseases. Swimming wards them off,” says Om, who is also an active member of the Laughing Club and practices Tai Chi regularly. Despite being an asthma patient, his belief in fitness, discipline, and movement keeps him going — and glowing.

They redefined age. Now it’s your turn to watch them shine. Follow @ageisjustanumbertv and get inspired daily.

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