George returns as marshal two years after cardiac arrest at same triathlon
A pensioner who two years ago suffered a cardiac arrest taking part in a triathlon recently returned to the event as a marshal.
George Jones, from Glyn Ceiriog registered to take part in the Chirk Triathlon at the age of 73, back in 2016.
He was part of a relay with two friends, who took on the swimming and running legs and George taking on the cycling leg.
However, while competing he suffered a cardiac arrest during the race on Church Street.
George was cared for by race marshals and the St John's Ambulance volunteers, before being flown to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
He fully recovered, and returned to marshal this year's event on April 15.
George said: "I’ve always been a keen cyclist, but I didn’t like the running part – swimming was alright, but I’ve always found running awful.
“In the three years before my heart attack, I’d been a member of a relay team taking part in the triathlon – and the combined age of the team was over 200.
Impressed
"It went very well – I was marshalling from noon until the end. And I was very impressed with those taking part.
“It’s nice when riders who are really doing their best thank the marshals as they ride past – there’s no need for them to do that.
“I’d like to have been taking part in it myself, but my days of doing it are finished."
As part of his recovery George underwent a 10-week exercise programme, part of which was designed by staff at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, and he regularly trained at Chirk Leisure and Activity Centre.
He has since remained a keen user of the centre, and is keen to keep active despite not being able to compete.
After a recent bout of illness he returned to the centre last week.
He added: "I decided to take a break as I’ve just got over pneumonia, but I was back in on Monday and I was delighted with the facilities there – especially being able to monitor my pulse.
“They can see what’s going on with my heart, and that’s a very good thing. They can see if I’m overdoing it, but also there might be exercises where I could be doing a bit more.”
"I’m 73 now, and I was hoping to be active into my eighties – I suppose I still will be, but not quite as fast as I’d hoped."
