Rower, 80, takes home two gold medals

An 80-year-old fitness enthusiast has won two gold medals at the British Rowing Indoor Championships.

Roger Stainforth, from Durham city, won the 2,000m and 500m events in the 80-84 age category.

He faced just two other competitors but said at his age he does not compete against many opponents.

He said the problem was as the age category "goes up and up" the number of competitors goes "down and down".

"So, it really becomes more like a time trial where I'm competing against the clock and against myself," he said.

The former managing director took up the sport at the age of 60 in an effort to get fit and is now a member of Durham Amateur Rowing Club.

The indoor championship is organised by British Rowing, the sport's UK governing body.

There are a range of events for men and women of all ages including distance races and timed sprints.

Having broken a number of records for his age, Mr Stainforth now has his sights set on the World Indoor Rowing Championships in February when he will face more opponents.

He said: "There's one particular competitor from Norway that I have been competing against for many years and there are some US and Australian competitors.

"We are all around the same level so providing they put their entries in and do the qualifying time that will be a good event."

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