HE’S waited three decades but Redditch engineer Alan Humphreys will finally fulfil his sporting dream to represent Great Britain — at the age of 51.
Mr Humphreys had been a national contender as an athlete before his career was halted by a persistent injury.
But after putting serious sport on hold for ten years he has laced up his running shoes and pulled on his cycling gear to become part of the Team GB squad for next month’s European Duathlon Championships in Spain.
Thanks to sponsorship from Redditch firm Lear Corporation, where he works as a change control analyst, he will be part of the 20-strong team to compete in the 50-54 age category in Alcobendas, Madrid, on Sunday.
“A long time ago, I was an 800 metres runner with Birchfield Harriers and got selected as a reserve for a GB match in Italy in an indoor event.” said Mr Humphreys. “But I didn’t travel and didn’t get onto the track. I dreamt of pulling on a GB vest and to get the chance now, it’s pretty special.”
Duathlon involves running and cycling, with Mr Humphreys’ sprint event comprising a 5km run, a 20km bike ride and then a 2.5km run.
