Incredible 91 year-old Burnham-On-Sea pensioner Arthur Gilbert, who is the world’s oldest triathlete, successfully completed his 41st triathlon on Sunday (June 10th).
Arthur, who carried the Olympic flame through Minehead last month, took part in today’s Burnham Sprint Triathlon where he completed a 500 metre swim followed by a 20km bike ride and a 5km run.
His efforts were all the more remarkable because he has been nursing a hamstring injury in recent weeks.
After crossing the finishing line on Burnham beach, he was congratulated by one of the race organisers, Sara Cox-Conklin Arthur (pictured above), and told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was tough, but I enjoyed every moment of it again today.”
He completed the event in a time of 2 hours, 47 minutes and 22 seconds. His swim took him 31 minutes and 54 seconds, the cycle ride was 1 hour, 11 minutes and eight seconds and the run was 59 minutes and 20 seconds.
He was handed the title of the world’s oldest triathlete last year by The World Records Academy, having completed his 40th triathlon.
Arthur was awarded an MBE for his charity work in 2008 and was also sent a letter by Prince Charles congratulating him on his triathlons. Arthur attributes his incredible stamina to a stress-free life, giving blood, and eating plenty of bananas.
Arthur Gilbert running out of the cycle stage
Arthur running along the beach in the final stages of the race
A big hug from his proud grand daughter, Natalie
