A veteran Cockermouth sportsman will be representing his country once more - a week after his 82nd birthday.

Barry Johnson will be competing in the European Triathlon Championships, in Munich, next month.

He will be representing GB and competing in the 80 to 84 age group.

Barry, a founding member of the Cockermouth-based club Tri Lakeland, qualified after being in the top three at the Europeans in 2021.

He took second place in the championships in Valencia.

"The entries for this year are currently standing at 18 in my age group - three from the UK and the remainder from across Europe," said Barry, who lives in Eaglesfield and works as a personal trainer.

"Last year's winner in my category, the Italian Gherardo Mercati, is on the list."

The German triathlon comprises at 750 metre open water swim, followed by a 21k cycling stage and finally a 5k run which finishes in the Munich Olympic Stadium.

"Training for me involves the three sports and the crucial element - the transition, which is the time taken between the swim to bike and bike to run phase," said Barry.

"I train most days in a wide range of disciplines. I swim mainly from my most favourite lake, Crummock.

"I cycle on the roads and forest trails of the Lake District and run on the fells, trails and roads. A simple joy."

Barry, who is married to Val, is also one of the founding members of Cumberland Fell Runners.

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