Cockermouth triathlete Barry, 82, strikes gold at European champs in Munich

Barry Johnson was representing GB in the European Triathlon Championships on Sunday, as part of the 2022 European Championships.

Barry was delighted to triumph in Munich

The 82-year-old from Eaglesfield was competing in the 80-84 age category and came out tops.

"There was an amazing atmosphere with the games going on in the Munich Olympic stadium and many elite people there," said Barry, a founding member of the Cockermouth-based club Tri Lakeland.

"The whole village was alive and it was fantastic to be part of that, running on the same track and in front of the big crowds."

Barry had a strong start with a 750m lake swim, followed by a 22km cycle and 5k run.

"The lake water was beautifully clear, I had a particularly good swim," said Barry, who is also one of the founding members of Cumberland Fell Runners.

"The cycle took us into the arena, it was timed perfectly and took place just before a big event so there were lots of people there."

The weekend marked 40 years of triathlons for Barry, who works as a personal trainer.

"The first European one was held in Holland 40 years ago.

"I won the over 40s. It was the start of a long journey and lots of adventures with European and world triathlons," said Barry, who has won gold 11 times over the years, and a similar number of silvers and bronzes.

There was one man competing in the 85+ category.

Barry enjoyed watching lots of championship events, including gymnastics, canoeing, rowing, cycling and rock climbing.

Back training at his local pool - Crummock Water

He returned home this week and will be competing in the British Super Sprint triathlon at Sunderland this weekend. He hopes to qualify for the 2023 world event.

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