80-year-old George Megas was the oldest athlete competing in today’s 10.5km road race walk. Photo: Angela Bacic.
Sunday 13 November 2016
By Angela Bacic
George Megas, 80, was the oldest athlete competing in today’s 10.5km road race walk at the Luke Harrop Cycle Circuit in Runaway Bay at the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games (JPPMG).
George has been competing in road race walking for over 20 years and has been participating in the JPPMG since its inception in 1998, missing just one masters games.
He came away with a gold medal in the 80-89 year division this morning and was very happy with his achievement despite the hot and humid conditions.
“I did very well, I’m not sure about my time but it doesn’t worry me,” George said.
“I’m happy I finished the race.”
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, to Greek parents, George was fortunate enough to represent his country in basketball, table tennis and indoor volleyball.
After moving to Australia in 1962, he again excelled at sport and represented NSW in basketball, table tennis and indoor volleyball.
When he moved to the Gold Coast George met some racewalkers who showed him the ropes of the sport and he took it from there.
“I like it because I can look after my health,” George said.
“I enjoy being active.”
He has continued to return to the JPPMG for one main reason.
“I enjoy the friendships – making a lot to friends,” he said.
George even has some pearls of wisdom for the next generation of road race walkers – “Eat healthy,” he says.
He hopes to see more participants in two years time for the road race walking event.
“Do it!” George said.
“You’d be surprised what you get out of it.
The 10th biennial Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games was held from 5 – 13 November 2016 on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
The event showcased competition in 43 sports and hosted 13,000 participants from Queensland, interstate and overseas.
