Winnipeg's swimming centenarian sets sights on world record

A Winnipeg centenarian is hoping to make waves at the Canadian Masters Swimming Championshipsin Toronto this weekend.

Jaring Timmerman has done a lot of things in his 100 years, including collecting several swimming titles and medals, but he's got unfinished business. It's called the 100-metre backstroke.

"I got three world records [at the masters meet] and now I still have that one to go," he said.

'I'm getting a great kick out of life. I enjoy every moment.' Jaring Timmerman

Timmerman has only himself to beat. He's the only one competing in the class for 100- to 104-year-olds, so he'll be swimming against the clock and trying to beat the world record of 4:42.

During a CBC News interview, Timmerman clocked in at 3:54.

"I think I'm going to beat it then," he said.

He didn't start competing until he was 80, at the urging of his wife. Now, his success has made him a local celebrity and everyone wants to know his secret.

"I formed an acronym, and that acronym is G.E.D.S.: Genes Exercise Diet and Spirit," he said.

Timmerman said you can't do much about what you inherit, but he believes you can change through diet and exercise and having a good spirit.

He lifts weights everyday and does calisthenics, something he began while training in the air force before the Second World War.

He never smoked or drank, and is strict about what he eats. Some would say he doesn't enjoy the fine things in life but he disagrees.

"I'm getting a great kick out of life. I enjoy every moment," he said. And that attitude comes from the last letter in his GEDS philosophy: spirit.

"I'm a believer in having a good relationship with your maker," he said.