At 89 years old, Mike Gibbons from North Yorkshire just returned from Germany with four gold medals from the World Transplant Games, making him the oldest competitor to ever participate in the international event. Mike dominated the squash courts and the track, winning gold in the 5K, 500m, and 1500m races, though he had to compete against younger athletes since he was the only person in the over-80s category. The incredible part of Mike’s story isn’t just his athletic achievements, but the love that fuels every step he takes across the finish line.
During every single race, Mike carries a precious photograph of himself with his wife Ann, who donated her kidney to him in 2007 when he developed kidney failure at age 55. Ann now lives in a care home with dementia, but her gift of life continues to power Mike’s remarkable athletic journey that began when he first competed in the World Transplant Games in 2008. Even when Mike felt pain in his leg during the 5K race, he pushed through with his signature sprint finish that gets crowds roaring, knowing that Ann’s sacrifice deserves nothing less than his absolute best effort. Mike’s story proves that love truly can move mountains, or in his case, move an 89-year-old man fast enough to win gold medals while inspiring athletes half his age with the power of gratitude and determination.