Super-fit Hilary is European champ at 71

Hilary Stevenson, 71, won gold in the 70-74-year-old age category at the annual triathlete competition.

The Newport resident is showing no signs of slowing down – even if she admits the heat played a part in denting her times this year.

Mrs Stevenson said: "It was very hot. You should try running in 32 degrees.

"It was a lot more of a gentle jog than a run this year. But I'm delighted to win again. It already qualifies me for Lisbon next year."

The event, which caters for all ages between 16 and 84, consists of a 1500m swim, a 40.8km bike ride and a 10km run.

"I was four seconds slower on the swim this time.

"The undercurrent really hit me and I lost my bearings with it.

"But there was a great crowd there and Team GB always take lots of support out.

"I had my husband there with me and he has to listen to all of my complaining.

"It's good to see the organisers. I first did it in 2003 when I went out to New Zealand as a newbie to the event and I learned a lot.

"I worked as a health visitor so exercising was just a leisure thing but people started to suggest I do triathlons as I could swim as well."

Stevenson took gold with an overall time of 3hrs 36mins 35secs and having already qualified for next year's event in Portugal, the grandmother-of-six hopes to keep going for as long as she can. "My family think I'm mad. Every year they respond with 'you're not still going are you?'" she added.

"If my body keeps up with me I will continue with it but I do think at this stage it is mind over body for me."

Stevenson's granddaughter Stephanie Cummings, 15, of Bristol, is also set to represent GB at an Aquathon in Portugal. "The genes must certainly be passing down," added Stevenson.

Luke Pollard secured first-place in the male 20-24 age category with an impressive time of 01.56.08.