Old Codgers Of The Week – Part Ten
Now that I have reached the age that once would have
entitled me to a state pension and a bus pass, I have renewed my interest in
the derring-do of my elders and betters.
I take my metaphorical hat off to Tony Bowman, an
84-year-young grandfather from Leeds, who won a gold medal, representing Great
Britain, in the European Masters in Venice in September. He completed the 80
metre hurdles dash over hurdles two-and-a-quarter feet high, in a sprightly
16.8 seconds to secure first place. Some feat.
The indefatigable Tony didn’t stop there, securing a silver
in the 400-metre relay, a bronze in the decathlon, and finishing fourth and
fifth in the 100-metre dash and 200-metre sprint respectively.
What is even more remarkable is that Tony has had trouble
with his ticker. With that sangfroid I am learning to cultivate, he said, “if
that’s it – curtains – when I’m running, that’s a great way to go”.
I’m sure, with that track record, when it’s his time to go,
he will be the first to the queue for the pearly gates.
