Wānaka’s Janey Johnston (68) has returned from the New Zealand Masters Games (February 3-12) in Whanganui with four medals.

Janey competed in cycling and swimming at the Games which she described as “really fun to participate in”.

“I had been practising cycling and swimming and got medals in both of them,” Janey said.

“It’s fun to be acknowledged for your efforts.”

Janey said her background as a physical education teacher stoked her passion for doing and participating, and that the Masters Games was a great way to stay active.

“One of the real aims or mottos is to keep playing and to keep participating, the competitiveness is secondary to the fun and the participation,” she said.

“People were just so passionate about the individual sports and there’s an instant camaraderie whether it's people in the same sport or if you’re just chatting in the evenings with other people.”

Janey won gold medals in the 20 kilometre cycling time trial and 1.7 kilometre cycling hill climb. She secured a silver medal in the 400 metre freestyle swimming and a bronze medal in the 100 metre freestyle.

“I’m not anything wonderful but I am a recreational participant,” she said.

The New Zealand Masters Games are held annually with the venue alternating between Whanganui and Dunedin.

Find out more about the Games here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App