CLEVELAND resident Tony Cameron-Kirk believes in making the most of life. So much so that he started competing in triathlons at the age of 76.
In the seven years since he was taken part in about 25 triathlons.
“I am really slow so I am always the last competitor but in the most recent event the next person down age-wise was 73 years old,” he said.
The day of our interview, Mr Cameron-Kirk did a 50 kilometre bicycle ride.
“It’s so important to be fit and do some physical work, especially as you get older because otherwise you soon deteriorate.”
Mr Cameron-Kirk said he took part in shorter events that consisted of a 750 metre swim, 15 kilometre cycle and a 5 kilometre run.
“I also do a lot of running, mostly at Raby Bay.
“I have got macular degeneration so I can’t drive any distance.”
Mr Cameron-Kirk said he was fit to a degree when he took up triathlons.
“But nothing in comparison to what I am now. I have had to train hard but I enjoy it.”
Mr Cameron-Kirk’s favourite discipline is running but he bought a bicycle and later won a racer, which he recently took to a triathlon in New Zealand.
“That was quite an adventure, travelling with with my backpack and a bike box.”
- READ MORE: Raby Bay views for fun run
Mr Cameron-Kirk said the fitness paid off when doctors agreed to perform brain surgery on him a few years ago.
“They never do this operation on someone who is older than 60 but they did it on me because I am so fit.
“After the surgery I had to learn to walk again but I was back training after four weeks.”
A member of the Bayside Runners and Walkers, Mr Cameron-Kirk said it was the atmosphere and people involved that kept him involved.
“We’re like a large family. There is so much laughter and smiling. It is tremendous to be among that.”
