TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Former Olympic synchronized swimmer Mikako Kotani has rekindled her love of the pool via the World Aquatics Masters Championships, where she aims to win gold every time she competes in the sport now known as artistic swimming.

The 58-year-old began training in September for next summer's Masters in Singapore, having claimed gold in 2023 and 2024.

Kotani decided to return to competition when the Kyushu region in southwestern Japan was chosen to host the 2023 Masters. Seeing people in their 80s enjoying the sport she loves, she set herself the goal of competing, and winning, for as long as she can.

"I'm in my late 50s, so I used to feel old, as I've passed the halfway point in my life," Kotani said. "But my Masters participation made me think I still have a long way to go."

Kotani has been training in the pool while serving as an Executive Board member of the Japanese Olympic Committee, among other high-level roles.

Her efforts paid off at this year's Masters held in Doha from late February to early March, where she captured gold in her mixed duet debut.

The Olympic bronze medalist in both the solo and duet events at the 1988 Seoul Games says she tries hard to keep up with her current teammates, all of whom are younger than her.

Kotani's teammates are in turn awed by the former Olympian's dedication.

"It's amazing how she has improved her stamina," said Michiyo Fujimaru, 45, who competed alongside Kotani at the 2023 championships.

For the 2025 Masters, Kotani plans to contest more events than at the two previous championships as she tries to eclipse her haul of three gold medals in 2023.

"I want to win and put a medal on the Merlion statue," Kotani, referring to Singapore's famous landmark, said with a grin.