Vernon Thomas, aged 82, grew up in the North-West but moved down to London as a young man to study for a post-graduate teaching qualification
He went on to become a lecturer at the London College of Printing, as it was then known, sharing his knowledge of printing and cultural studies, but in his own time he maintained a passion for sports.
“Like everyone in Liverpool, I wanted to be a professional footballer,”
he recalls.
“I was quite good but not enough to make a career out of it so I went to art college instead.
“I’ve taken up lots of different activities over the years because I enjoy the challenge of learning something new. My next-door-neighbour played football for a good team in Eltham so I went along to that. I joined a rowing club for a time, and then Bexley Rugby Club, and then I started running with the Cambridge Harriers.
“I’ve been quite good at them all. But sport isn’t just a hobby for me – it’s much more important than that. I like winning things!”
These days, Vernon, who lives in Blackheath, competes in duathlon events. He used to compete in age-group level triathlons at national and international level – running-cycling-swimming – until a cold-water incident at Lake Geneva persuaded him to change to duathlons (no swimming!)
In April this year, he won a silver medal in his age group at the European Duathlon Games and this summer, is heading for the European Duathlon Championships.
“It’s a joy being involved in something competitive, surrounded by other people, and when I’m racing, it’s exhilarating,”
he reflects.
“What can be irritating is when people concentrate on my age rather than the sport. People should engage with the effort, not marvel at how old I am.”
Vernon is being helped in his athletic ambitions by charitable social enterprise GLL’s Sport Foundation (GSF) in Lewisham. The Foundation is the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK, offering sportspeople of all ages monetary and ‘in kind’ assistance such as physiotherapy and psychological support. Previous recipients include Tom Daley, Ellie Simmonds and Alex Yee. Vernon’s award allows him to train in any ‘Better’ gym and attend classes for free.
“The GLL Sport Foundation is fantastic,” he comments.
“I hadn’t heard about it until someone at the gym mentioned it to me and suggested I apply. I would advise anyone my age to try sport. You’re not past it, anything is possible.”
Matthew Houghton, GLL’s Community Sport Manager in the borough, adds,
“Vernon is an inspiration to anyone, regardless of his age, and the Foundation is proud to help him on his way. His drive to master so many sports and to compete in the most challenging conditions is a testament to the power of human determination and ambition.”
For more information on the Foundation, visit – https://www.gllsportfoundation.org/
