AN 88-year-old man is determined to keep going despite his age after competing in six events at a recent athletic championships.

Tony Bowman, of Guiseley, completed the feat at the Northern Masters Track & Field Championships at Leigh Sports Village at the back end of last month.

Bowman took part in the 100m, shot, javelin, long jump, discus, and triple jump events in the male 85+ category.

On what was a thrilling afternoon (Saturday, June 29), the veteran even managed to gain season best results in the shot (4.66) and the triple jump (4.33) events.

"It was a great day," Bowman told the Wharfedale Observer.

"Unfortunately I could not compete in my favourite event of the hurdles because my knees are a bit dodgy."

The veteran began running at the age of 42 and has continued till this day- competing in a wide range of athletic events including pentathlons.

In doing so, Bowman has broken a number of records including the 200m British record for ages 35+ in Stretford, April 2021, where he ran a 36.67 race, shaving four seconds off the age group’s previous record set by Duncan McLean in 1972.

He now hopes to continue racing into his 90th year, breaking even more records along the way.

"I have always loved exercise and competing," he added.

"It is exhilarating, that adrenalin rush. It is marvellous."

"I am looking forward to carry on racing and when I am 90 I hope to break more records."

It has not all been plain sailing for Bowman, with the Guiseley man having his fair share of health troubles down the years.

He has previously sustained heart failures and recalled being to rushed to hospital after one event.

Speaking to the Wharfedale Observer in 2022, Bowman said: "I did a pentathlon in Sheffield, and the next day I was rushed into hospital with heart failure.

"They managed to pull me around and discharge me, but a week later the same thing happened again.

“At the time I said to myself this is getting too dangerous, so I'm not going to take a chance at running anymore, but now a few months have past and I've slowly been getting back into training, I'm going to start competing again.

"A lot of people ask me about what the doctors say to me continuing, but the doctors are really supportive about it and leave the decision to me which is a good thing really."

Bowman is keen to not let those issues deter him with more events lined up for later this year.

He will next compete at the British Masters Track & Field Championships at the end of this month.

The athlete is excited to once again perform in the 100m, shot, javelin, long jump, discus, and triple jump events.