Septuagenarian claims stunning world triathlon title

A 78-year-old triathlete hailed the greatest day of his career as he clinched a world age-group title in Qatar.

Richard File produced an incredible performance to win the T100 Triathlon World Championship Open 75-70 category, pipping compatriot Keith Greenougugh by eight seconds as he finished the course in five hours 31 minutes and 45 seconds.

File is an experienced triathlete, having completed over 250 events since picking up the sport while working in Cyprus, but admitted his victory in Qatar topped the lot.

“I emptied the tank in the biggest way in my triathlon life,” he said. “That’s an underestimated skill.

“I was 78 last month and it is probably the best day of my 30-year career. It feels fantastic. I have worked incredibly hard.

“The guy I was racing against today beat me by 18 minutes in London. I had 18 minutes to find.

“I decided I would find nothing on the swim – he is a better swimmer than me – three minutes on the transition, eight minutes on the bike and eight minutes on the run. I found more than that on the bike and less than that on the run."

The retired meteorologist was one of over 250 triathletes to take to compete in the T100 Age Group World Championships, as part of the T100’s finale in Qatar which had seen the professionals battle it out the day before.

Kate Waugh and Hayden Wilde were crowned world champions before the stage was set for the best amateurs to race over 100km amidst hot conditions in Lusail.

File has plans to return to the 80-84 category in two years’ time, with plenty of plans to continue competing as a way of keeping fit and healthy.

“This was the toughest because I am in my fourth year in the age group. A year older doesn’t make much difference at 55 or 60 but it does at 75 or 80,” he added.

“Doing things like sit ups or squats, doing a few stretches is wonderful for anyone over 70.

“Everything slows down but you have got to keep going or throw in the towel. When you do make the effort and keep fit, it doesn’t half make a difference.

“I can still go on holiday at 78 and go up the church tower and see the view, and that’s a big thing for me.

“It started off as a fun sport but as time has gone on it has become more motivating and it defines who I am.”