A 79-YEAR-OLD who returned to the sport of race walking after a gap of almost 50 years ‘tap danced’ his way to the podium after winning a gold medal last Sunday.
Mick Barker won the British Masters Athletics 10km Track Race Walk Championships held at the Oxford Sports and Athletics Stadium.
“It was held around midday with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit - extremely hot and humid,” said Mick, of Lavender Court, Kendray.
“After being announced I tapped danced up on to the podium to receive my gold medal with immense pride.
“It was great to be amongst the elite athletes of Great Britain once again.
The Chronicle reported last month how Mick, got a bronze medal in the European championships in Alicante.
“To be crowned British 10km Track Race Walk Champion is beyond my wildest dreams,” he said.
“I just can’t believe it is all happening. It feels amazing.”
Mick took up race walking in his teens, but gave it up to care for his wife Marlene after she suffered two strokes.
The European Masters Athletics Championships was his first competition in 48 years.
