84-year-old granddad crowned fastest in the world

四川双流中学 蒋建平（特级教师）

难词探意

1.hurdle/΄hзːdl/n.跨栏

2.crouch/kraʊtʃ/n.蹲着的姿势

3.sprint/sprınt/v.冲刺

When Tony took up running as a hobby,he was 42 years old.Now 42 years later he's a national champion and a world record holder.

He never imagined at the age of 84 this is where he'd be,but then he doesn't meet many people in their 80s who are out training four times a week.

“I can see it's a bit unusual,yes.But it's been my life,”he told the reporter.

The retired officer runs at a track near his home in Leeds.

At an event in Italy last month he set a world record in the 80m hurdles with a time of under 17 seconds.But he sees no reason to slow down and his ambition is still to be competing when he passes a hundred.

“I probably won't be doing a crouch start,but it's only 16 years away,”he joked.Like anyone of his age,he's had health problems.He's had a string of severe heart attacks,but doctors have told him as long as it makes him feel good,he should carry on running.

“I can't let my heart get in the way of my training.When I am sprinting I have to give it my absolute all.My heart is the last thing on my mind,”he said.

He trains every other day,dances and plays hockey and he recently cuts down on alcohol and chocolate.He said,“I've heard alcohol can lead to dementia and I don't want that.I've cut down to one glass of wine every other day.I now have to stay as fit as I can be to keep up my lifestyle.”

Tony's next birthday is next September.And the first thing he wants to do is become the world's fastest 85-year-old.

Reading Check

1.What will Tony do after the competition in Italy?

A.He decides to slow down.

B.He decides to retire as an officer.

C.He plans on running until he's 100.

D.He plans to compete in the 100m hurdles.

2.What do the doctors suggest to Tony?

A.Trying to run as fast as he can.

B.Continuing to run if he feels good.

C.Cutting down on alcohol and chocolate.

D.Stopping running to treat for his heart disease.

3.Which of the following can best describe Tony?

A.Positive. B.Caring.

C.Imaginative. D.Demanding.

Language

Study

Sentence for writing

He never imagined at the age of 84 this is where he'd be,but then he doesn't meet many people in their 80s who are out training four times a week.

【信息提取】sb never imagined(that)...意为“某人从来没有想过……”。

【句式仿写】我们从来没有想过，约翰居然会成为一位医生。