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Posting this here as inspiration to those of us getting on a bit.

On a side note, my FiL played cricket well into his 90s.

Quote:

‘UK’s oldest fencer’, 90, beats teenage rivals

Joy Fleetham has urged people 'never to give in to the retirement chair' after taking up the sport 27 years ago

A 90-YEAR-OLD woman believed to be Britain’s oldest fencer is winning matches against teenage opponents, as she described how the hobby had “taken over” her life.

Joy Fleetham took up the sport 27 years ago after reading an advert in a newspaper and has remained active.

She dons her breeches, body protector, jacket and mask for a session every Friday where she has taken on opponents far younger in years.

She even said she had a match with a Japanese boy, 17, who was surprised when she beat him. “He was astounded and so was I,” said Mrs Fleetham.

She likes the precision of the movements and learning to know her opponents’ weaknesses. “Fortunately my reflexes are still very quick,” she said.

“I was 63 when I started, at a time of life when a lot of people put their feet up, but I launched myself into it. When I go into town people stop me and say: ‘Hello fencing lady, are you still doing it?’

“I say: ‘I’m not giving in’ and they tell me I’m an inspiration to the older generation. I always say to people who are retiring, to keep doing something, even if it’s something small. Never give in and just sit in your chair. I never give in.”

Mrs Fleetham, of Bridlington, East Yorkshire, has won eight medals through her hobby and has raised thousands of pounds for her club, where she is president.

She received seven letters from Queen Elizabeth II, who was the patron of British Fencing, and was invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2010.

“It’s a hobby that’s taken over my life. It builds character and respect for others,” she added.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/20...teenage-rivals/