Athlete, 76, says he 'refuses to let old man in'

A 76-year-old world championship-winning athlete has said refusing to "let the old man in" was a key ingredient to his success.

Since he turned 72, David Juggins has competed in duathlons for Great Britain, which have seen him win two gold and two bronze medals in his age category.

These include winning 75-79 age group events at the 2024 Europe Triathlon Duathlon Championships and the 2025 World Triathlon Duathlon Championships.

Despite his success, Juggins, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, told BBC Radio Stoke he was not "obsessed" with his cycling and running.

"I'm lucky. I stay well and stay fit," he said. "I take Clint Eastwood's mantra - he said he never wants to let the old man in when he comes knocking on the door.

"I'm trying to take his mantra, if the old man is knocking. Sometimes you get aches and pains, but I won't let him in, that's my philosophy."

Juggins said he had been a keen runner since he was young, later taking up cycling before doing Parkrun events and competing in duathlons following his retirement.

He said he trained six days a week - three running and three cycling. On average, he cycles 90 miles and runs between 15 and 20 miles every week.

"You have to do some preparation and training," he added. "I've been fortunate that I've had that spare time to do it."

While he often found flying abroad to compete in events "stressful", Juggins said he was "amazed" at what he had been able to achieve, which included being named Age Group News's age group athlete of the year in 2025.

Asked what advice he had for people looking to get more active, he said taking part in a Parkrun was a good way to get started, adding that anyone could get involved.

"You can get involved via the Parkrun and elevate that to British triathlon or duathlon," he said.

"It's wide open for anyone who wants to try to get into a Great Britain team, which is what I've done and I've been very successful."

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