A ninety one year-old Burnham-On-Sea pensioner who holds the title of the world’s oldest triathlete and is set to be a torchbearer during the London 2012 torch relay has laughed off an error on the official Olympics website which states he is aged eight!
Arthur Gilbert – who last year was handed the title of the world’s oldest triathlete – is set to carry the Olympic flame on May 21st through Minehead.
Arthur told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I might be young at heart, but I think someone at London 2012 has their wires crossed because I will soon be eight years away from my 100th birthday!”
The incredible pensioner completed his 40th triathlon last year and was awarded an MBE for his charity work in 2008.
A London 2012 spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “With 7,300 torch bearers, there have been a few odd few mistakes on the website for which we apologise. We are only human and will try to get this fixed as soon as possible.”
Arthur added that he is “incredibly honoured” to have been chosen to carry the Olympic flame.
“I am really thrilled to have been picked – I was so pleased to receive the official email confirming that I will be taking part. It will be such a memorable day and I hope lots of people will come out along the route.”
