84-yr-old gymnast: I’m still hanging in there
A FORMER Olympic gymnast is proud to be turning stereotypes of the elderly on their head at 84.
Grandmother-of-five Marjorie Carter still trains three times a week, starting workouts at 6am. And she is determined to still be doing headstands and the splits when she hits 100.
Marjorie said: “You need to keep moving.
“It’s so important when you get older to maintain that independence and mobility.
“As they say, use it or lose it. People in the gym say, ‘You inspire me so much’, which puts a huge smile on my face and keeps me motivated. It definitely helps keep me young.”
Marjorie was in our Olympic squad at Helsinki in 1952 and Rome in 1960 – just missing out on medals in both.
She said: “Being selected to represent my country was exhilarating. Those memories of the opening ceremony will last a lifetime.”
Marjorie went on to coach for 25 years, travelling Europe. And while she missed out on an Olympic gong she has now bagged top prize in the Inspirational Generation contest, set up by retirement homes builder McCarthy & Stone.
Marjorie – who lives in one of the firm’s homes in Bradford, West Yorks, with partner Geoffrey, 87 – got a £2,000 cheque plus £200 for a charity of her choice.
She said of her win: “I was overwhelmed. It’s been a true honour and I’ve had a really wonderful life.”