Price is right for Torquay rowing record-breaker

A NINETY-year-old Torquay resident has rowed right out the door at the Pan Pacific Games, breaking four world records in his age group.

Phillip Price broke a nine-year record in the 2000m men’s 90-94 lightweight indoor rowing event, lowering the old record by one second to finish in 8:43:06.

He backed it up by breaking world records in the male lightweight 90+ 500m, 1000m and 1-minute sprint.

Price put the ultimate icing on the cake by adding another gold in his last race of the games, the 100m sprint.

The Pan Pacific Games was held on the Gold Coast last week.

 

The event is the largest multi-sport event in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mr Price said breaking the world records came as a big surprise.

“I am extremely pleased about it, to hold four world records is so unexpected!

“I had been doing plenty of mileage in October, but was still over 10 seconds off the pace in the 2000m during practice runs. Luckily, I pulled something out on the day!

“A lot of my success had to do with the atmosphere in the place. The competitive spirit at the event was amazing, it really helps you feel good mentally and do your best.”

Mr Price started rowing while he was in the United Kingdom, but was nearly 70 before he actually got into the sport.

” I used to dabble a bit, but after a serious operation in 1997 and getting a bit overweight, I rediscovered it as something to do.

“When I’d go to the gym in the UK, no one seemed to be using them. I soon found out why; they are really hard. Regardless, I just took to it and started racing in 2003. I’ve been going ever since.”

Mr Price said the key to his longevity was living life with a sense of moderation.

“I just row a couple of times a week, just moderately, that’s it.

“I belong to a virtual rowing club, so I keep up my fitness using it.

“We also don’t overindulge in too much food or drink. Just everything in moderation.”