The year was 2000 when Roy took on the Big 5

Morehill resident Roy Aiken (64) took a trip down memory lane with us, reminiscing about the time he featured in the City Times for having completed the Nashua Millennium Big 5 challenge.

Aiken proved that he has what it takes by completing the five legs of this challenge all during the year 2000.

• The Dusi Canoe marathon

• The Midmar Mile swim

• The Pick ‘n Pay Cape Argus Cycle tour

• The Comrades marathon

• Ascent to Uhuru Peak at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

Because he completed all five legs he received an achievement from Nashua Millennium Big 5 of a photo, framing his achievements as a reminder of what he has completed.

He also gets to carry around a chip on his shoulder of now being a part of a unique band of endurance athletes.

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“It felt really great indeed, not only completing the challenge but also being on the back page of the City Times,” said Aiken.

“This is a fond memory of mine and will always be held close.”

Aiken has two other memories that he will never forget.

“Mount Kilimanjaro was one of the most incredible experiences that came with a few bumps in the road, but I will also never forget receiving my half-blue award for gymnastics at Wits University and also representing Western

Province for a canoe triathlon at the 1986 South African Games,” he said.

Aiken completed the four-day climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the largest free-standing massif in the world, but the summit took its toll on him as he battled to breathe.

“When we summited the mountain, we walked into the teeth of a snowstorm and the temperature was minus 27 degrees Celsius,” he said.

“I suffered from altitude sickness while others experienced splitting headaches, but it was a thrilling experience.”

This local has also taken part in running events for many years, beginning with cross-country at school.

“I also played hockey and took part in gymnastics, as my goal at that time was to stay fit as a person,” he said.

“I was also an active member of Benoni Northerns Athletics Club for 20 years.”

Aiken has been mentioned in the City Times for his sport often, with his son alongside him.

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In 2013 an article was written about them and their team regarding the Dusi river race.

Father and son team Roy and Matthew completed the Dusi race as the 154th finishers in six hours and 18 minutes.

“I enjoy all the sport I take part in, but my most favourite sport is probably a triathlon. I just find it incredible and it works on your upper and lower body fitness,” he explained.

This all-rounder athlete feels honoured to have been in the City Times.

“I wish to record that it was an honour and indeed a privilege,” he said.

“I still reside in Benoni, and enjoy the paper every Thursday! Happy Birthday Benoni City Times, may you have many more successful years ahead.”