Swale (71), an Invercargill electrician, is one of a growing number of Masters Games competitors who look younger than their age.
''I drink dark beer and I think it helps,'' he quipped.
''I think it's my metabolism and the way I live. I work hard and play hard.''
His work as an electrician over the years has involved shift work and he has been able to get by with just five hours sleep a night.
The highlight of his badminton career was to win the bronze medal in the 60 to 65 age-group team event at the Melbourne World Masters in 2003.
His other highlight came last year at the New Zealand championships in Invercargill when he won a silver medal in the over-70 men's doubles.
Swale enjoys badminton because it is an active sport and a team game.
''When you play out of town you always travel as a team,'' Swale said.
''You make a lot of friends and meet the same people again year after year.
''It's about meeting people, being social and enjoying the sport.''
This was his sixth Masters Games in Dunedin and he keeps on winning gold medals in his age-group. But he cannot remember how many he has won,''I don't play badminton for medals. I play for competition and treat medals as a bonus,'' he said.
What he enjoys most about the Masters Games is the friendship.
''I like meeting people,'' he said.
''They are a good bunch and cheer their opponent when he plays a good shot.''
Dunedin caregiver Harry Pandang (49) won the men's over-45 title.
He started playing badminton 15 years ago when he emigrated to Dunedin from Indonesia.
This was his third Masters Game and his first gold medal.
Gillian Ramsay (Timaru), who is completely deaf, won the gold medal in the women's over-45 social grade.
