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True ’ironman’ says secret is ’continuous exercise’
He will soon turn 80 years old. His friends have passed away, one by one, and sometimes he feels lonely. But several times a year, he runs a 42.195-km full marathon course, rides his bicycle 181.1 km without taking a rest, and swims a distance of about 3.8 km in a sea with high waves. He is Kim Hong-gyu, and he has participated in 110 triathlon events. He has a powerful voice, darkish skin, a straight spine for his old age and eyes that are full of spirit. It is not enough just to call him an "ironman." Kim, the oldest participant in the 2006 International Ironman Competition to be held in Seoguipo, Jeju Island, Sunday, is full of enthusiasm. He is set to renew his record of 16 hours, 21 minutes, 26 seconds. Since he first competed at a triathlon event in Daecheon, South Chungcheong Province in 1993, he has taken part in the ironman competition about 10 times a year. Whenever Kim joins the event, he wins in his age category.But Kim was not an ’ironman’ from day one. "Most people drink and smoke when they are young," Kim said, and like anyone else, Kim admits to having pursued pleasure in his younger years. During his school days, he enjoyed boxing, and after graduation he played soccer in the early mornings to maintain good health. An older member of the football circle encouraged Kim to take part in the triathlon events. When Kim first entered the event, he gave up during the swimming section. He got exhausted because he could not swim freestyle in the sea. But he did not want to stop there. So every morning, he trained with a two-hour run and bike riding and every evening, he swam for an hour at a neighborhood swimming pool. Several minor setbacks could have spelled an end to his triathlon career. Last year, he fell down while riding his bike, resulting in a rib injury. He participated in a competition before he was completely recovered and his injury became more severe. However, he has since recovered, not letting such a minor setback dishearten him. Asked about his secret for good health, Kim replied, "It is to exercise continuously." However, Kim follows his own breakfast diet, as well. "A cup of red ginseng tea, roasted grain powder with honey and the whites of two eggs mixed with sesame oil. This is my breakfast." What is his goal in the future? "What goal? At my age, I can die anytime soon," he replied. But with a career as a used-car dealer in Janganpyeong in addition to his athletic pursuits, no one can say he is not leading a vigorous and full life.
