Shropshire runner Hilary, 70, completes triathlon feat
Most 70-year-old grandmothers tend to be taking life at a slower pace – not heading across Europe to compete in a gruelling triathlon.
But Shropshire triathlete Hilary Stevenson has no intention of living the easy life and she recently won her fourth consecutive European championship gold medal.
Super fit nan Hilary, from Newport, competed in the 70 to 74-year-old women's category at the ETU European Championships in Kitzbuhel, Austria.
This latest victory, Mrs Stevenson's fifth in six years, saw her take on what she said was her toughest course to date – highlighted by the fact she was the only one in her age group to finish.
She completed the Olympic distance course – which encompasses a 1.5km swim, a 40k bike ride and a 10km run through the Austrian hills and mountains, which many people half her age would struggle with.
Mrs Stevenson, who is a member of Nova Raiders Cycling Club in Newport, said. "This was the hardest I have ever done and the run was horrendous – but maybe I'm just getting old.
"My finishing time was at least three quarters of an hour slower than I would normally finish, but the course was so tough, it really was.
"The swim was OK, but the hills for the cycling and the running were extremely difficult and lots of others taking part said the same."
The feat, which follows successes in the same event in 2011, 2012, and 2013 was even more remarkable as Hilary, who lives on Longfield Road, did not take up the sport until about 13 years ago.
The grandmother-of-six used to run marathons but she took her first steps in triathlon after a suggestion from her dentist, a keen participant. She entered the 2002 London Triathlon, winning her age group, and a top three finish in the Ellesmere Triathlon in 2003 earned her a place in the world championships in New Zealand later the same year.
She has been competing at world-class events ever since and can also count a world championship bronze medal in her glittering collection of prizes.
Far from slowing down after her recent victory Mrs Stevenson has no plans to throw in the towel just yet.
She is currently in the process training for the World Championships which take place in Canada in September.
She said: "When my body gives up I will give up.
I am lucky and I keep myself mobile and fit."
