How I turned into a triathlete in my 60s

And did a 70.3 triathlon at 77

Anne reaching the finishing line of the 70.3 triathlon with 10 year old grandson, Alex. Photo taken by Alex Rotas.

2025 has been an extraordinary year for me and the cherry on top was to receive the Advantages of Age Sports Star Award !

It made me reflect on the journey that led me here and, more importantly, why it took me until the age of 77 to tackle a 70.3 triathlon.

After deep consultation with Andy Wadsworth, my amazing trainer, I signed up for the Cotswold 113 70.3 (1.2 mile swim /56 mile bike/13.1 mile run) triathlon on Sunday, July 13th, thinking that this would give us plenty of reasonable weather for me to get in shape and also it should be reasonably warm. It was certainly warm!! Too warm and all the warnings came out putting us older people in fear of dying of heat stroke! Most alarming for me was the news that the high temperature in the lake meant we would not be allowed to wear wetsuits. Swimming 1.2 miles was challenge enough but this would take me longer than planned.

It actually took me 1hour 21 mins to complete the swim. Yes, I was last out of the water, but there were no time limits and I knew I would finish. I absolutely loved the run where the volunteers poured cold water on me every time I passed them. Bliss. But best of all was running to the finish line with my 10 year old grandson holding my hand and hearing the cheers of the volunteers, my daughter and my friends.

People asked the great question, why did I leave it so long?

Part of the answer lies in the era in which I grew up. I was a mediocre student but I loved PE. I turned up for all the training sessions, cut up the oranges and cheered my friends at all the matches…but not once was I chosen to be in a team nor was it ever suggested I might be a good runner.

However, in my 20s, I discovered squash and after a couple of years stuck in the bottom division, I improved enough to join the Tiptree ladies squash team. At last, I made it into a team! We were not exceptional players but we had such fun. That sense of belonging - being part of something - stayed with me.

Years of heavy smoking led to repeated bouts of bronchitis and eventually a diagnosis of bronchiectasis. Scary! In my early 50s, I married an American and moved to Poughkeepsie NY. Mike suggested I should start running to help strengthen my lungs so, rather reluctantly, I began to go out for short jogs.

After a few months, he arbitrarily entered me in a rather hilly cross country 5k. I was terrified. I barely warmed up and was convinced I wouldn’t have the energy to finish. But I did finish - and not only that, I came third in my age group (50–60) and received an award. It gave me a huge confidence boost and I have been running ever since.

Later, in Florida, I joined Space Coast Runners and discovered what all athletes know: clubs create community. I made friends, raced regularly, and found myself among runners older than me who refused to be limited by age. I was often told that older runners shouldn’t ‘do too much.’ Eventually I learnt to disregard this nonsense.

In Florida’s hot summers, many friends turned to triathlons. At 63, only able to swim breast stroke, I never imagined attempting one. Then my dear friend, Willy Moolenaar, 72 at that time, told me I absolutely could. She patiently taught me all the rules and encouraged me to borrow a bike.

My first triathlon in Melbourne Beach, Florida 2014.

Meanwhile I practiced swimming longer distances in the pool. I was so worried I would completely mess up. WHY? Who cared, only me! The day came. I couldn’t eat, I was so nervous. We got into the lagoon and lined up for the start of the swim. My heart was pounding. Could I really swim 750 yards? Yes, I could but very slowly. I was last out of the water but I was out and off to the bike and finally the best bit, the run. The experience was unforgettable.

Even more astonishing I had won in my age group. Once again it took another person to open the door to a whole new experience for me. Thank you, Willy!

I bought a decent road bike and started trying to get to grips with the front crawl. All these years later, I am still a mighty slow swimmer but improving little by little with the help of Bristol and District Triathlon Club.

And then I found out about age groupers. I had never dreamed of representing my country in anything until this point in my life. It is so true that you are never too old, but sometimes it is hard to believe. I was gaining confidence, but more to the point I was not worrying anymore about what people thought of me.

At the Parade of Athletes in Cozumel with Willy Moolenaar, 2016.

I wanted to wear a GB uniform so much just once, I was determined to work towards it. I went to regular swim sessions early in the morning (easy to do in sunny Florida!). I entered the Dorney Sprint triathlon in UK in the hope of qualifying for the World triathlon in Mexico 2016 when I was 68. I was last out of the swim and the borrowed bike was a tad uncomfortable. As I came into transition, I knew the two women in my age group were well into the 5k run so I ran my heart out, overtaking one and getting close enough to the first one that I qualified to go to Cozumel.

Back in Florida, I upped my swimming to twice a week and did lots of cycling in the heat. Willy (racing for USA) and I headed for Cozumel. We had a ball. Oh my gosh, the community spirit, the camaraderie . It just wraps itself around you and despite being fiercely competitive once racing, everyone is eager to help you succeed.

Despite all my swimming training, I was very slow and eventually, despite my protestations, I was forced to come out of the water. Later, they explained it was because of dangerous currents set up by the incoming cruise ship. No wonder I had not got very far! But all was not lost, I completed the bike and run section and as I was used to dealing with the heat, I was able to help a fellow Brit who was struggling, by pouring cold water on her whenever it was available. She finished with a bronze medal I believe and I felt good! Despite the disappointment of a DNF (did not finish), I had an amazing time and would not have missed it for the world.

Meanwhile in Florida, many of my young friends were competing in Ironman events. I was in awe of them all but it never entered my head that I could do one. I was in my 60s and way too old, wasn’t I ? This is how we let ourselves down. We buy into ageism without realising it. OF COURSE, I could have trained for and tackled an Ironman. I may not have succeeded but I could have tried. Yes, I was a slow swimmer. No, I was not great on the bike . BUT I could have given it a shot.

I returned to UK in 2018 determined to slough off the many negatives that had been holding me down. Life begins at 70!

Goosebumps moment of pure joy . World Champion Duathlon 70-75 Fyn, Denmark 2018.

I decided to try to qualify for the World’s Duathlon competition – there was no swimming. I bought myself a bike and a car, went to Mallory Park and qualified - I was the only one in my age group. I just wanted to participate and be a part of the GB team. When I got to Fyn, I knew no one. Two days later, I had a whole new family.

As I came across the line my fellow Brits were cheering and congratulating me. I had won the 70-75 World Sprint Duathlon Championship! I still get goosebumps when I remember going up on the podium with Union Jack in hand. Worth its weight in gold.

I went on to win the Worlds and European Standard Duathlon Championships when I was 75. And then I thought maybe I could do a 70.3.

Now, of course, I am aiming at 2028 when I will be 80. So many possibilities ahead. So many things I would like to attempt.

If there is one message, I hope you will take away from my story, it is this: it is not too late. You do not need to be fast, fearless or exceptional. You only need to start where you are. With a few good people to open some doors for you.

Good luck.