A 75-year-old said she wanted to be the first woman to compete in the Hyrox World Championships solo category aged 80.
Annie Reid, from Bulmer, Essex, recently competed at the global competition in Stockholm, Sweden, where she came 12th in the women’s 70-74 age category.
She started training at a gym in Lavenham, Suffolk, a few years ago and became hooked on Hyrox, which involves running and a mixture of workout stations.
“It’s just trying to encourage your body to do whatever it’s capable at whatever age you are,” she said.
Reid found out she qualified for the world championships last year.
Her trainers from E3 Fitness worked with her on a training plan to ensure she was prepped for the world stage.
On 19 June in 33C heat, Reid took on 17 of the best women on the planet in her age group, all while her trainers and family donned special T-shirts with the words “Powerful Pensioner” printed on them which Reid said she loved.
She successfully finished the race in 2:22:06.
“I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to go there and I’m so glad that I did say yes to doing it because it really was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Reid said.
She added: “I suddenly had this mad thought that maybe I’d like to be the first woman who does the Hyrox [World Championships] eventually in five years’ time at the age of 80.
“So I think at the moment, my plan is just to keep on going, go and try and do another solo, this time in the 75 to 79 year old category, and just see how it goes.”
One of her coaches, Vicky Edwards, said her preparation for the championships was “outstanding” and “cool, calm and collected was the approach from day one”.
“That same mindset carried through to race day,” Edwards said.
“Rather than getting caught up in the occasion, Annie worked through the competition one station at a time, staying composed and executing the plan.
“Annie never fails to amaze us with her attitude towards fitness.
“She proves that age really is just a number and that consistent, dedicated work pays off.
“Myself and [my husband] David have always said her grit and determination throughout this journey have been incredible to witness.”
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