Rodney Wins World Masters Title
One of Ripon Runners founding members has become a world champion at the age 80. Rodney Mills, a grandfather of two, became the fastest 80 year old in the world last week when winning the 800 meters event at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Perth, Western Australia.
Rodney managed a strong finish a he passed Australia’s David Carr in the home stretch to claim the gold medal in 3 minutes 8 seconds.
The fell and marathon runner has been training for months in a bid to take the title at the 4 yearly event, the veteran’s equivalent of the Olympics. His daughter, Helen, quipped the hardest thing has been getting travel insurance. Rodney remains in Perth for another week, and is due to compete in the 400m and relay events.