The Gippsland Flippers member competed in the 80 to 84 age group, winning silver in the 200 metre backstroke, missing gold by the narrowest of margins.

Coupe also won bronze in the 50 and 200m breaststroke and 100m backstroke, and placed fourth in his final event, the 100m breaststroke.

Traralgon Swimming Club's Carolyn Grasby also has a successful swim.

Grasby achieved three personal best times, cutting about 0.5 seconds off her times in the 50m freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke.

About 1800 swimmers competed at the games, with competitor ages ranging from 25 to 98 years-old.

The competition was run over nine days, with more than 28,000 athletes from 95 countries competing in 28 different sports.

The philosophy behind the masters games is to emphasise participation of all abilities, rather than highlighting only the elite athletes.

This was portrayed in no finer way than the participation of a 98 year-old swimmer, and a 100 year-old athlete.

This is the third time since its inception in 1985 Australia has hosted the World Masters Games, the prior cities being Brisbane and Melbourne.

The next World Masters Games will be held in Turin, Italy in 2013.

Anyone interested in masters swimming can contact Gippsland Flippers secretary, Sue Graham on 51275743 or email psg5@bigpond.com