Forres Harriers veteran Douglas Cowie (70) completes Scottish Athletics title quadruple for marathon, cross-country, duathlon and triathlon
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Winning a Scottish title at any sport is a memorable achievement - winning four is something very special.
But Forres running and cycling veteran Douglas Cowie has completed a unique national sporting quadruple at the age of 70.
The Forres Harriers athlete won his age category at Sunday's Scottish National Sprint Distance Triathlon Championships, held at Lochore Meadows Country Park in Fife.
It means Cowie has won four Scottish titles at four different events in marathon, cross country, duathlon and triathlon.
The Moray master was competing in the 70-74 age category for the first time, and said he was on a sporting mission to complete his full set of national triumphs.
"I particularly targeted this event in an effort to achieve the four golds in four different events," he revealed.
Conditions were warm but wet in Fife for 230 participants taking part in the first adult national triathlon championships of the year, as well as an additional 45 youngsters competing in a youth aquathlon later in the day.
Competing in the open spring event in his age group, Cowie stormed to victory in a time of one hour, 30 minutes and 38 seconds.
He recalled his national wins in other sporting events from previous decades.
"As a '40' I was Scottish Masters marathon champion, and in my 50s I got gold in cross country and duathlon," he said. "I also won the GB duathlon.
"The XC was really pleasing as I won on my 'home course’ (at Forres)."
Cowie's achievements are not restricted to his own country, as he won a European Championships duathlon gold medal in Limerick in 2011.
A particular highlight of his career came in his 40s when he won a silver medal in the European half marathon championships and was presented with his medal by the wife of Czech Olympic legend Emil Zatopek, who is considered by many to be the greatest runner of all time.
Cowie has represented Scotland at the marathon and Scottish Veterans at cross country for many years, and was part of the Olympic flame procession for the Athens Games in 2004.
To be competing at such a high standard of athletics in his 70s is testament to Cowie's incredible fitness levels, which he admits he is finding difficult to keep up - but it won't halt his pursuit of more sporting goals.
"I’ve got to say I’m finding it tough now to maintain the training regime to compete at national and international level, but my aim now is to make the Scottish team for the Masters Cross Country international in November.
"It’s an event I’ve done many times in the past but this year Scotland are the hosts and that would be a first for me.
"And if the body holds out, the Scottish Masters Cross Country in February next year which will be hosted by Forres Harriers."
Not sure if this will be of interest these days but I won my Age Category in the above championships which were held in Fife today.
In doing so means over the years I have been Scottish champion in four different tournaments different events. The others being Cross Country, the Marathon and Duathlon.
I won my Age Category in the above championships which were held in Fife today.
In doing so means over the years I have been Scottish champion in four different tournaments different events. The others being Cross Country, the Marathon and Duathlon.
