LONDON — At 91, Arthur Gilbert has got a few miles on the clock... in fact he’s the oldest triathlete in the world.

The superhuman grandad has just completed another gruelling race when he swam 500 meters, cycled 20k then ran 5k.

He said: “I came last but when you’re 91 I think you’re allowed to.
“I keep saying I’m going to give up soon but I always end up going back to do more. This triathlon was my third ‘last one’. I just can’t give up.”

He gives all notions about slippers and armchairs the old heave-ho as he puts on running shoes, or gets in the saddle or the pool for a punishing training schedule. Arthur goes to the gym three times a week, cycles 25 miles on Sundays and swims 50 lengths every day. Some friends think he must be bananas — and he reckons it’s fruit that helps him stay so fit.

The retired helicopter engineer said: “The secret is staying stress-free, being happy, doing charity work and being positive. I don’t drink or smoke and I have regular check-ups. “I also have a balanced diet with lots of fruit which helps ­tremendously — I love nuts and bananas.

“I must be the world’s oldest triathlete. People think I’m bonkers but they inspire me to carry on, and I inspire them to do something like this for charity. “I have a lot of help and I’m motivated by my wonderful family.”
Arthur, who has been awarded an MBE for his charity work, started competing in the sport at the tender age of 68. The widower, of Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, completed his 41st triathlon on Sunday – and he did it in less than three hours. — Agencies