Senior athlete puts heart and soul into his sport

Triple bypass recipient Noel (72) says his survival is due to being as fit as anyone of his age could be

As we age we think life is going to carry on as it always has been for us, but that is not always what happens, as I recently found out. 

After leading a very busy life running a business for 31 years and participating in sport and various other activities, there was a lot to consider when I decided to retire at 62.

Among other things, I had to make sure I was able to continue to be busy and, as sport was already part of my life, what better way to go but to compete and train and enjoy the company of like-minded people. I had been participating in duathlon (run, bike, run), triathlon (swim, bike, run), and road cycling for a few years, so I would just carry on - but in my own time without having to worry about work anymore.

I entered events in Rarotonga and Noosa, annually, enjoyed four cycling trips to France, two of them following the ‘Tour de France’ and cycling part of some of the stages, and did two weeks in the Czech Republic on a very interesting cycle tour. I found their culture unusual, to say the least.

Life appeared to be going as it should, but all was not right: what I thought was sports-induced asthma, backed up by two different doctors, turned out to be problems with my heart. I was fit in every other respect and it came as a bit of a shock, but there is heart disease in my family.

Disaster struck!

It first showed up while I was swimming in the sea; I was just running out of energy totally, and unable to complete events. Nothing was evident to the cardiologist until an angiogram was done and stents were recommended, but disaster struck! The arteries were too unstable and a triple bypass was required.

Recovery from the operation was slow and very frustrating, but rewarding in the knowledge that if I had not been as fit as I was, according to the surgeon, I would not have survived. It's now over 18 months since the operation and since then I have competed successfully in both Noosa and Rarotonga again, at a somewhat slower pace, and I’m looking forward to gradually getting back to where I would like to be.

Traithlon a marvellous thing

The sport of triathlon has been the most marvelous experience as everyone is most friendly and helpful, regardless of age, and I am now 72 years old and hoping to carry on for a few more years yet. With any luck I will add to my list of podium finishes in the age group division, plus hopefully some more cycle touring overseas before age finally catches up, and then I will be content to just explore by bicycle some of New Zealand’s great rides.

Photograph of Noel published with permission www.elocal.co.nz