Arthur Gilbert
Arthur Gilbert is the world's oldest living competitive triathlete at the current age of 90. Since 1989, Gilbert has raced in more than 40 sprint triathlons (500m swim + 12-mile bike + 3-mile run).
The former helicopter engineer entered his first triathlon at the age of 68. He has won the British duathlon title in his age group seven times. He was awarded an MBE (member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his charity work over 35 years. For his triathlons, he raises money for Musgrove Leukaemic Group Somerset.
Secret to Success
"[My] secret is staying stress-free, being happy, doing charity work and being positive. I don’t drink or smoke and have regular check-ups. I also have a very balanced diet with lots of fruit for breakfast which helps tremendously - I love nuts and bananas. Some of it is down to giving blood. The old blood goes out, the new comes in to replace it and rejuvenates you. I’ve donated 45 pints of blood altogether since I was 51 and only stopped because I reached the age limit. People think it decreases your performance in life but it doesn’t. I have to work really hard at keeping fit. Being disciplined and going out and doing it even when you don’t feel like it is the key to success. The training is the hardest part and it’s almost a relief at the finishing line."
