FEATURES

Powers Inspires....

Saturday, 29 August 2015 00:10

By Liz Sawyer (startribune.com)

Hovering over children at the starting line, standing a little stooped but sturdy, Bob Powers waved his arm signaling “go” to the youngest triathletes in the country.

Between gentle reminders to put on their goggles and do their best, Powers encouraged each heat of kids to pledge a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. As the nation’s oldest triathlete, Powers, a 91-year-old Marine Corps veteran, truly embodies that message.

“Exercise is not only fun, but it gives you skills you can use throughout your entire life,” said Powers, of White Bear Lake. “The Lord gave us a good mind and body, so lets not desecrate it.”  ...

He was the guest of honor at CycleHealth’s second annual BreakAway Kids Tri held Saturday morning at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. The three-time Purple Heart recipient survived two wars and several painful injuries and began competing in triathlons in his mid-60s. The grueling sport tests competitors’ skills in swimming, biking and running.

Saturday’s event, which drew several hundred athletes ranging in age from 7 to 17, was a fundraiser for pediatric cancer patients. Kids were split up by age and gender, then tasked to complete the three disciplines with some added obstacles, like a bubbly water slide. Younger competitors completed a 100-yard swim, 3-mile bike ride and half-mile run, while teens tested a more advanced course. READ MORE