Sporting Icon nominee – David Juggins
Sporting Icon nominee – David Juggins
David Juggins has become a European and World Champion gold-medal-winning athlete – at the age of 75.
The retired sales manager, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, recently represented Great Britain at the World Duathlon Championships in Spain and came back as World Champion in the Veteran category.
He had already picked up the European Champion title in Poland in April of this year.
The dad-of-two competes in the sprint distance duathlon, which includes a five-kilometre run, 20-kilometre cycle ride then a 2.5-kilometre run, against athletes from around the globe.
He’s received countless messages of congratulations including from the Global President of Mars in Chicago, a company he was employed by for 41 years.
David took up duathlon around five years ago after decades of running the likes of the Potteries Marathon and Michelin 10K.
It’s only in his 70s that he has become a European and World Champion.
“I still can’t believe it, but I know this is a sporting achievement for Stoke-on-Trent. It’s fabulous really,” he said.
“I’ve always been a runner then I took up cycling. I’ve run for England in my age group and been part of the England Masters team.”
David, who celebrates his 76th birthday in November, was able to take his extended family – Team Juggins – out to Spain to cheer him on.
With their support he completed the course in one hour, 18 minutes and 52 seconds. His nearest rival finished in one hour, 20 minutes and 58 seconds.
David trains six days per week including three runs and three bike rides, giving himself just one day off per week.
He added: “I’ve had countless wonderful messages after the win, including some from people I haven’t heard from in 20 years. I’m overwhelmed with what people have said about me.
“I’m not obsessed with training, my life doesn’t revolve around it. I’ve done this to keep fit and the success I’ve had has been a big reward. I don’t drink a lot, I don’t smoke and I do what’s needed.”
David Juggins has been nominated in the Sporting Icon category of the Your Heroes Awards by Neil Arrowsmith.