Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:01 AM
Jun 16, 2010 Sports
By Michael Benjamin
At 74 years of age most people choose to confine themselves to a rocking chair and generally reminisce on their youthful days, regurgitating the nostalgic moments of yesteryear which, to some extent keep them alive.
Indeed, at that age the only exercise some folks enjoy is jumping to conclusions and for the more devious ones, stabbing their pal in his/her back. Indeed, this is the sum total of their physical activities.
Tell that to Rudolph Holder and he would simply scoff at you and then present himself as the exception to the rule. Mr. Holder is a 74 years old former athlete who resides in Den Amstel, WCD. He loves sports and during his youthful days participated in the 100m dash, enjoying reasonable successes. Life’s commitments forced him to abandon the sport until last year when a coloured man by the name of Barrack Obama successfully campaigned into the White House a feat many believed would have never been accomplished.
“This was indeed a momentous occasion for me and I told myself that if Obama could have walked the walk after talking the talk I could too,” said Holder in rationalizing his decision to reenter the athletic fray. He further explained that on the eve of his seventieth birthday he had competed in a 100m race organized to commemorate his birth anniversary. Among those at the starting lineup was Eugene Hilliman, a renowned local sprinter, also past his prime. Holder said that he completed that race in 10.7secs. Observing my raised eyebrows the septuagenarian explained “The official time was recorded and could be verified at any time,” he assured.
Obama’s victory strengthened his resolve and Holder decided to enter the Independence Day Race walk event organized by the Cavalier Sports and Tour Club (CSTC) from the Methodist Church in Land of Canaan to the Soesdyke Methodist Church. Holder did not only finish first in the veteran category of the 6.2 miles event but also left many of the youngsters in his wake.
He also boasted of immense improvements since recommencing his athletic exploits. “When I started walking I took all of 35 minutes to complete a four miles event but with constant practice and application I eventually chiseled off 10 minutes from the original time,” Holder boasted.
He was scheduled to compete in another CSTC event around the inner circuit of the National Park recently but severe pains in his hip precluded him from participation. Now, with that injury healed, Holder is preparing for another arduous race this Sunday from the Leonora Bridge WCD up to the Clay Brick Road, Den Amstel. Holder is bursting with confidence and is planning something special for his fans. “I will complete that race in less than 30 minutes,” he intimated. He did not stop there. “I am challenging any pensioner to attempt to beat me in that race.”
The agile septuagenarian is so confident of victory that he has promised to embarrass himself if he fails to back his words. “I will lie on shame bench, in the blazing sun for the rest of the day if I lose to any pensioner that enters the race,” he promised.
Quizzed on the benefits derived from his expeditions Holder said, “I enjoy walking; it is an inexpensive vocation and even if you are advanced in age you can still derive immense benefits from the activity.”
Sunday’s event gets underway at 06:00hrs and the winner would cart off a beautiful trophy. Mr. Holder is appealing to the business community to assist by donating trophies and other prizes to the respective winners.
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