The Fifth World Masters Games 2002, held in Victoria from October 9-13 were no exception. The V World Masters Games 2002 attracted 24,800 competitors from 95 countries in 26 separate sports, with 1,800 of them participating in rowing events.

"Tom... has won 16 World Golds..."

Another certainty is that a lot of training goes into Tom's sculling prowess well before the big events. As a member of the UTS Rowing Club in Sydney, Tom can be seen out on Iron Cove, Dobroyd Point, from 6.00a.m. six days a week, Monday to Saturday - but never on Sunday.

Mr Treseder, aged 69, explained that: "I am a Christian and the Bible simply says 'He that honours me I will honour' and the Lord has honoured me for standing on that principle."

During his time in Melbourne, Tom preached and was interviewed at the Wendouree Baptist Church; was guest on their Christian Radio; met, shared and encouraged a number of Christian sportsmen and women and discussed his Christian principles with others who know of his beliefs as a Christian within the world of sport.

Tom won his first World Masters single sculls in Ghent, in 1994. Since that time he has won 16 World "golds"; three New Zealand Championships and rowed in Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Holland, Italy, France, Slovenia, Denmark and throughout Australia. He has rowed on the Nile in Egypt and on Lake Galilee in Israel.

"Yes, I have missed representation because of determining not to row on Sunday," he said, "but I am convinced the Lord has greatly honoured me. My health, strength and skill at 69 is a gift from God."

During the recent V World Masters Games 2002, the rowing events were held on Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, 110km (90 minutes) from Melbourne. Mr Treseder won 1 Bronze, 3 Silver and 5 Gold medals, by winning the "Pairs without coxswain" (two men with an oar each), the "Quadruple sculls" (4 men with an oar each), "Quadruple sculls" (in the 70-75 age category), "Fours with coxswain" and "Fours without coxswain".

As he points out, "it is a team sport and I give full credit to those others who carry or propel me across the line. I might be down the back end of the boat but I am never envious of the fact that the bowman crosses the line first. There is no envy, no jealousy, because we are all in the same boat. That's what makes this sport a team sport - second to none!"

"Isn't that just like the teamwork experienced in the Lord's work. We can work together in sharing the gospel and only God receives the glory.

"Being God's man and experiencing His leading, His goodness, His love, His forgiveness, His positive power, is still worth more than these beautiful 9 World Championship medals and the former gifts."

By Ramon Williams

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Treseder
Phone: (02) 9816 1309