Aging is inevitable. As we grow older we all succumb to the same aliments: tiredness, soreness, illness and a variety of other ‘nesses’ invade our lives. One Lincolnshire resident, however, is defying the odds.
At 62, Jim Gillespie, who lives in Wragby, is proving that age is not a barrier, but a challenge.
Since becoming a veteran athlete – an athlete older than 35 – Jim has become one of Europe’s top veteran ‘throwers’ and has broken the heavyweight hammer record. Twice.
Just last week, he placed seventh in the indoor masters UK shotput championships.
Not bad for someone for who throwing hasn’t always even been their specialty.
“I was born in Ireland and moved to the UK when I was around five,” says Jim, who competes in Veterans Athletics Club competitions. “I started competing in athletics when I was 14, competing in 400m hurdling and in 1979 I won the under 17’s England Schools title and set the 400m hurdling record for Ireland.”
But as he got older, the professional personal trainer realised that hurdling was becoming increasingly difficult.
Jim explains: “I had to stop hurdling when I turned 52. My calf tore, and I mean it almost tore fully off my leg, it was awful. I then realised that hurdling wouldn’t be an option. My whole lower body wouldn’t ever be as good as it used to be, so I had to change.”
While many would have called it a day on their athletics career there and then, Jim was determined to continue in any form possible, realising he had to change his approach.
He decided to take part in the Veterans’ throwing events. Including, shotput, hammer, discus and the weighted throw, If it required an object being launched, Jim competed.
“Within three years of throwing, I won the European Hammer Decathlon. It was a nice change from hurdling. Previously, it would be tense just wanting to beat the guy next to you. Now it’s still competitive, but the veterans tend to cheer each other on.”
The VAC supports athletes after they turn 35.
In a statement the group said: “Since 1931, we’ve built a supportive but competitive community for athletes of all abilities while promoting physical and mental well-being. We aim to provide opportunities for veterans or masters to compete with like-minded individuals.”
Speaking about last week’s triumph, Jim said: “I was happy with the result. Most of the guys there specialise in shotput whereas I don’t, so it was a success.”
Despite his numerous records and achievements, Jim continued to talk about how difficult it was to balance his normal life with competing. He said:
“It’s a lot of travel nowadays. It’s strange because we spend so much time trying to achieve these records yet, very few people know about them. But I have no doubt that I will stay active for as long as possible.”
Now, Jim aims to pass his experience to others, coaching in schools and leading his own personal training sessions, while still competing.
His next target? The British Thrower’s Pentathlon hosted in Oxford this month. Where he will once again aim to prove that age is just a number.
