Dabs canoeist Tony Lightfoot still going strong at 85
Canoeist Tony Lightfoot continues to train several times a week, proving that age is no barrier to staying active and embracing the joy of sport.
For Dabulamanzi Canoe Club (Dabs) paddler, Tony Lightfoot, age is simply another number to paddle past.
The 85-year-old canoeist, began the sport at 40, and still spends several hours a week on the water, maintaining a training routine that includes paddling and exercise to keep himself fit and active.
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“I always say once you start exercising, you must never stop,” he shared. “If you stop, it becomes very difficult to start again.”
Lightfoot has enjoyed a lifetime of sport, having previously taken part in rugby, wrestling, squash, running and cycling before discovering canoeing. What keeps him returning to the water, however, is not just the physical challenge but the sense of camaraderie that comes with the sport.
“There is great joy when you are on the water,” he said. “You leave behind traffic, stress and everything else. It’s very freeing.”
While canoeing can sometimes present intimidating moments on rivers and in the surf, Lightfoot believes those experiences build resilience and strengthen bonds among paddlers.
Now aiming to continue paddling well into his later years – possibly even to 100 Lightfoot hopes his journey inspires others to stay active.
Read the full story in one of the upcoming print editions to learn more about his remarkable journey, the lessons he has learnt through sport, and how canoeing continues to shape his life.
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