The multisport enthusiast has continued to regularly take part in the event as well as the Australian and World Transplant Games to build awareness about organ donation in New Zealand.
"Before my health issues and transplant I was very fit," Eckersley said.
"I've always been very serious about my sport so I was always going to try my very best to get into it and the Games have offered me a new lease of life."
To date, the former New Zealand roller hockey player, has won more than 60 medals at all the games he has attended around the world.
His recent medal haul came at the 2016 Australian Transplant in Sydney two weeks ago, where he won nine medals in his 70-79 age group - six gold and three silver.
Eckersley admitted he was "surprised" to come home with so many titles after having knee replacement surgery in February.
"I didn't expect to win all those medals," he said.
"I had to have a lot of recovery and had limited training. I think it was the rivalry which you get, particularly at the Australia event, that brought the best out of me."
His winning medals came in the 5k cycling time trial, 5k walk, 10-pin balling singles, shot put, discuss and ball throw, with his second placing in petanque singles and pairs and 10-pin bowling pairs.
"Certainly the cycling and the walking were the most physical events and took the most out of me," Eckersley said. "But I was most pleased with my gold in the 10-pin bowling and the petanque pairs because they were very close tournaments and very entertaining to be apart of."
Eckersley has had the full support of his family including wife Carolyn, who was awarded a gold and silver support medal in Australia, and two children Lisa and Todd.
"I have been through a very difficult time but they have been very supportive and have been right behind me," he said.
"They may think I'm slightly mad with all the sport that I do but it's much more fun than mundane activities."
Eckersley said he considers himself "incredibly lucky" to have been given a new lease of life just over a decade ago and urged more New Zealanders to sign up for organ donation.
"New Zealand has one of the lowest rates out of first world countries to donate," he said.
"One of the problems is that at the moment in this country a person can sign up to be a donor but if they pass away and the family overrules that initial decision, that is final.
"So families of donors need to be educated too - it is vital this happens.
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my new heart and so many other lives can be saved as well."
For more information about organ donation visit www.donor.co.nz.
