WINNING the over-60s section of the West Bay Sprint Triathlon at the age of 76 is an achievement in itself.

But what makes Brian Grierson’s feat even more remarkable is that he has been battling prostate cancer for the past 14 years.

The disease might have slowed down a lesser man, but for Rownhams-based Grierson – a member of Sotonia Cycling Club and Lordshill Road Runners – triathlon keeps him going.

“I want to inspire others with prostate cancer not to give up and to try to carry on life as normal,” he said.

“Remaining as fit as I can is always a good thing and I use it to monitor my health. I always know something is wrong if I’m not performing as I usually do.

“I’ve had operations and radiotherapy and this week I’m going in for a CT and bone scan.

“I’ve got Southampton General to thank for keeping me going for 14-odd years.”

Grierson’s winning performance at West Bay, Dorset, comprised a 400m open water swim, a 25k bike ride and a 5k run, all of which he completed in 1hr 54mins 25 secs.

“I’ve competed in the past for Great Britain and done lots of overseas events,” he explained. “It tailed off a bit a year ago when I had my second operation for cancer and three months ago I had a hernia op.

“But I've kept myself going, swimming at Oaklands Pool, doing parkruns and open water swimming at Eastleigh Lakeside.

"I was a bit surprised to be first over-60 at West Bay because, potentially, I was giving 16 years away."