Robert Pitcairn, is Oldest Athlete in CWG 2018 & in Games History! 79-Year-Old Canadian Debutant Has Foiled Hijack Attempt Previously
Not every dream will come true, but if you have the willpower to continue you can achieve that dream, no matter what age you are.
They say age is only a number. And if take Robert Pitcairn’s participation at Commonwealth Games 2018, into consideration, it will only testify the age-old adage. The 79-year-old Robert Pitcairn will be the oldest athlete to participate, this year, in CWG 2018.
Hailing from Canada, Robert will also become the oldest athlete in the world and Commonwealth Games history to ever participate in a sport (Shooting). Not every dream will come true, but if you have the willpower to continue, you can achieve that dream, no matter how old you are.
Not many know the fact that, Robert Pitcairn, the oldest athlete ever to participate in the CWG history had foiled a hijack attempt too. In the year 1974, Robert foiled an attempt on a 737 which had over 120 passengers on the board.
With his participation at CWG 2018, he will break the record of being the oldest athlete which was previously held by Doreen Flanders of England; who took part in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The story of the 1938-born Robert Pitcairn is a testimony to the fact that one should never stop chasing their dreams.
Robert’s pursuit of his dreams began way back in 1960, where he first tried shooting, as an Air Force cadet. In the first thirty years after his numerous trials, Robert still couldn’t qualify for the Games. In the year 2002, he again missed a chance narrowly in Manchester. However, he didn’t stop there!
With more grit and determination, Robert Pitcairn invested more time in his training for this year’s Commonwealth Games, and his stupendous performances at trials saw him qualify eventually. However, Robert isn’t only thinking about participation but winning. He said that he wants to share the podium finish with his partner Nicole Rossignol at 2018 CWG.
Robert Pitcairn's journey in the CWG 2018 will begin on Monday (April 9), where he will be participating in Queen’s Prize Pairs Finals. Also, he will be also participating in the Queen’s Prize Individual on Wednesday (April 11) and Thursday (April 12). We wish Robert Pitcairn, all the luck for his maiden quest at Commonwealth Games 2018!
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 07, 2018 06:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).