The 44-year-old will compete in the 100 metre, 200 metre and 400 metre races with the 4x100m relay spot a possibility if Cooper posts a quick qualifying time.

Cooper said it is an honour to compete at the World Masters Games.

“I am just looking forward to representing Australia,” he said.

“I had a look at the times and the winner in the last masters games ran the 100 metres in under 11 seconds, so I will be running against former Olympians and other world class athletes.

Cooper’s training schedule for the event started in May.

He said his weekly training load incorporates different elements to prepare his body for the different races.

“Lots of intense cardio and a lot of leg weight work which translates into my running strength,” he said.

“I just started dropping off the weights this week to freshen the body up.

“It is a balance of pushing and punishing the body while nurturing it so it does not get hurt.

Cooper said the simple things is what he enjoys most when he runs.

“I have got nobody I can blame,” he said.

“If I miss the start, I can only blame myself.

“I enjoy being fit and the more I run, the fitter I get.”

Cooper also said he enjoys training just as much as competing in races.

“The sooner I can get out there and train, the better,” he said.

“It’s a good stress release and I find it really good.

“I do not have to worry about anything and I can just train my backside off.”

Cooper won an over-40s gold medal in the 4x100 metre relay event at the 2015 Victorian titles.

He said it was a moment with a family member that prompted a realisation that success played a bigger part in his motivation that he thought it did.

“I never realised that winning was motivation for me until recently,” he said.

“My daughter told me she enjoyed the feeling after winning her high jump and it made me reflect upon the feelings I have when I win.

“I think that it is why I run, the winning feeling.

“It’s not a drug but it is the adrenaline and the rush that keeps me going.”

Cooper said it will be good to test himself against a high standard of competition.

“When I was young I always said I could do better if i did not have to work,” he said.

“This is a good chance to test that theory out.”

Cooper has set his own realistic expectations for what he wants to achieve at the games.

“I do not think winning a gold medal is my goal,” he said.

“If I make a final it will be a huge accomplishment.

“You never know what will happen in a final if you can keep yourself safe and uninjured.”