Fitness veteran keeps swimming after celebrating 88th birthday

A PENSIONER who learned to swim in the canal near his home is still taking the plunge almost every day, despite recently turning 88.

Gordon Smith has been attending Royston Leisure Centre in Barnsley for almost three decades and also enjoys using the gym.

Mr Smith, who lives in nearby Carlton, often attends five days a week and said he had no intention of slowing down. He added: “I learned to swim back in 1926 in the canals of Barnsley, as money was scarce then and we couldn’t afford to swim in the baths.

“I enjoyed swimming so much that I swam for the school and then, later when I retired from my job as an electrical engineer, I took up lifesaving coaching at Royston Leisure Centre.

“That was 27 years ago and although I don’t coach much anymore, I still really enjoy coming to the gym and using the pool several times a week..”

Neil Mills, manager at Royston Leisure Centre, said: “I still remember the way Gordon taught me on the life-saving course and have used many of the same phrases and methods when teaching it myself

“He’s a real inspiration to other people of all ages that keeping fit and healthy is important at any age.

“We wish Gordon a very happy 88th birthday.”