Burnham-On-Sea pensioner Arthur Gilbert – who was last year named the world’s oldest triathlete – has carried the Olympic torch through Minehead to the sound of loud cheers this afternoon (Monday).
Arthur, 91, who lives in Berrow Road, was handed the record title last year by The World Records Academy, having completed his 40th triathlon.
On Monday, the pensioner was cheered on by supporters as he jogged and walked along the 300 metre stretch of the route proudly carrying the Olympic flame.
Arthur told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I was so thrilled to take part – it was a fantastic, wonderful day. The atmosphere was just unbelievable and it will stay with me forever.”
The incredible pensioner was also awarded an MBE for his charity work in 2008 and was also sent a letter by Prince Charles congratulating him on his triathlons.
Arthur attributes his incredible stamina to living a stress-free life, giving blood, and eating plenty of bananas.
Burnham community gardener Sarah Milner Simonds and Burnham’s Katrina Doyle, 13, who bravely overcame leukaemia as a child and has raised thousands for cancer charity CLIC Sargent, also carried the flame on Monday.
Arthur Gilbert with fellow Burnham torch bearers Sarah Milner Simonds and Katrina Doyle after Monday’s torch relay (Pic: Andy Slocombe)
