AN ATHLETE who is still competing around the world in his 80s has returned from South Korea with a clutch of medals.

Tony Bowman, 81, achieved his latest success in Daegu where he won the over 35s hurdles in the World Masters Indoor championships. He also came second in the 60 metres, and third in both the 200 and 400 metres for his age group.

After returning to the UK Mr Bowman, who lives in Guiseley, went on to play for the world's first over 80s hockey team in an over 75 tournament in Wellingborough.

Mr Bowman, who competed in South Korea in March, also enjoyed a string of triumphs last year and set his first world record at the age of 80.

He said: " I am the luckiest 81-year-old in the country in my opinion. My ambition is to run the 100 metres when I am 100, and I would like to live to 120 as long as I don't lose my mind."

Last year Mr Bowman won the 100 metres sprint and 80 metres hurdles in his age group at the championships held in Perth, Australia. He had previously set the 10.86 second world record in the 60 metres hurdles at the British Indoor Championships in London, where he also won the 60 and 200 metres sprints.

His enduring success on the track has been achieved despite a number of health challenges he has had to overcome in recent years, including two heart attacks and an atrial flutter.

Mr Bowman, a retired probation officer, was a keen school athlete but his interest in the sport tailed off after completing his education.

It only returned after he had turned 42 and began running again.

He said: “I’ve always been active and played hockey and tennis during those years I wasn’t running, and I also do a lot of dancing."