It seems age is no barrier for athletes from the Nepean District Athletics Club because they’ve just returned home from the Australian Masters Athletics National Championships in Canberra with exceptional results.
The athletes competed across more than 30 different events, which were spread over the four day tournament.
One athlete who achieved incredible results across multiple sports was Belinda Westcott.
Ms Westcott, who competed in the 30 – 34-year-old category, came first in the pentathlon, 400 metre run, 1500 metre walk and high jump as well as second in the 200 metre run, javelin and hammer throw plus third in the 800 metre run.
While the South Penrith resident was very humble about her achievements, she was also very proud of the spirit and determination of her fellow competitors from the Nepean club.
“We all get along very well, we all encourage each other and have a go,” she said.
“I’ve been part of the club for 19 years and this was my first Nationals. It’s very competitive at that level, and the ones who have been doing it for a long time are even more competitive.”
Another athlete who competed at his first Nationals, at the ripe old age of 70, is Peter Woods.
Mr Woods has been a keen runner for 35 years and competed in the 100 metre, 400 metre, 800 metre, 5000 metre and 10,000 metre events.
“I ran in the 70 – 75-year-old category and some of those blokes are fast,” Mr Woods said.
“I just love running and I guess your ego keeps you going because you think I can do this. I ran with fellas younger than myself when I first started running and they’re not running anymore and I am, so I guess that’s one thing.”
Mr Woods said he enjoys to run nearly every day and looks forward to it.
“I’ll keep running whenever I don’t have injuries,” he said.
“I’ll often put on a pair of shoes and go for a run down the paddock somewhere and I’ve done that since I was 35.”
The inspiring local team who competed at the Australian Masters also included Kylie Brown, Gabriele Watts, Annette Tillman, Justin Keane, Craig Ferguson, Greg Mather, Robert Osborne and Ken Porter.
