On the crest of a fitness wave

WHEN the Olympic Games officially open today, Stephen Shaw will be watching his favourite discipline, the triathlon, with great interest, hoping he might be able to pick up a few tips.

Since 2009, Stephen, an engineer from Bayside, Howth, Co Dublin, who will be 55 in September, has competed in at least three triathlons - where the competitor has to swim, cycle and run - and three aquathons - swimming and running - every year.

“As you get older, you really feel the need to keep exercising,” he says. “The triathlons are great, because you are only competing against your own age group.