It was almost meant to be that Aldergrove resident Harnek Toor took up competing in track and field provincially, having browsed a copy of the Aldergrove Star and learned about the 55+ BC Senior Games one year.
Although he had participated in his high school and university track and field teams in the 1960s in his home country of India, Toor hadn't seriously thought of going beyond that level after he joined the army in India.
But he found great enjoyment in the provincially competitive games immediately after joining.
"Remaining competitive with the best of the world gives a boost both to body and soul," Toor shared.
"[And] remaining in that league of physical fitness keeps me away from inactivity."
Toor moved to Aldergrove in 2012 after retiring from the military, following his two sons who moved to Canada earlier to be closer to them.
Most recently, the 78-year-old competed in the 75 to 79 age category of the BC Masters Track and Field Championship in late June, and won gold in throws pentathlon, hammer throw, javelin throw, and weight throw; and silver in shot put and discus throw.
In the last three years, Toor has held the Canadian record for throws pentathlon and weight throw, which happen to be his favourite competitions.
Toor encourages seniors to also participate in sports because it "triggers positive feelings which help ward off inactivity and lethargy."
"[I've] met new competitors and made new friends both from Canada and other countries... Every time I go out I [also] meet old Olympians and World Champions," Toor said.
But for competing competitively in throwing competitions, Toor said he would like to see improved indoor training facilities for all types of track and field events in the Lower Mainland to make it more accessible for seniors.
Toor is next competing in the Canadian Masters Athletics Championship being held in Montreal from Aug. 2 to 4.
