Age is just a number.
That was shown by Nicholas Santos at the World Short Course Championships in Abu Dhabi.
The 41-year-old swam home the gold in the 50 meter butterfly on Monday.
He won in the time of 21.93 and clinched the gold before Dylan Carter and Matteo Rivolta.
Santos also swam into the history books.
With the gold, he is the oldest World Cup medalist of all time.
- I am 41 years old and compete against the fastest in the world, it is a big challenge.
I am very, very happy with the result, he says to SVT Sport and continues:
- Age is just a number.
If you have focus and are determined in training, you can succeed.
Aiming for the World Cup in Fukuoka
Despite his age, Santos has no plans to end his career.
Now, instead, the goal is set for the long-distance World Cup in Fukuoka next year.
- I drive in one year to the World Cup in December next year.
I prefer short course but know that I can swim fast on long course as well.
I will do my best and try to break more barriers.