An 80-year-old man from Durham is looking to set national and world records in rowing. 

Roger Stainforth, is proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. 

Roger will compete in the British Rowing Indoor Championships on December 7 and 8 at Birmingham’s NEC, where he aims to claim the 80-84 title in the 2,000m race and break the British record of 7:35.7 seconds, which he set earlier this month.

Durham man, Roger Stainforth, is still winning awards in his 80sDurham man, Roger Stainforth, is still winning awards in his 80s (Image: pr) As a retired Chairman and Managing Director of an electronic road sign manufacturer, Roger channels his competitive spirit from his career into his remarkable success on the rowing machine. 

Having taken up indoor rowing at 57 to improve his fitness, Roger’s journey to the podium is nothing short of inspiring.

He said: “I started rowing 23 years ago to improve my fitness and lose a few kilos. Like many men in their late 50s, I’d let my job take precedence over health and fitness.

“A moment of truth occurred on a visit to my company’s HQ for a meeting. All the lifts were out of action and having to climb up seven flights of stairs left me breathless and concerned I wasn’t as fit and healthy as I thought I was.”

Since entering his first competition at 60, where he finished ninth, Roger has gone on to win numerous titles, including the British Indoor Rowing Championship in 2014, where he set a national record in the 70-74 age category, and the World Indoor Rowing Championship in 2022.

Roger credits his success to a disciplined training routine that includes up to 10 sessions a week across six days, incorporating rowing, skiing, cycling, weights, and back and core strengthening exercises.

Read More:

Get more local stories, reviews and exclusive content from The Northern Echo and join our growing digital family with a subscription.

He recently adjusted his training to target longer time and distance records as he continues to compete in the 80-84 age category.

He said: “The training regime I follow gives me a buzz and sense of purpose. I’ll do a morning session in the rowing club gym on days when Hazel is on the river, followed by a late afternoon session at home."

Roger’s journey into rowing was inspired by his family, who all share a passion for the sport.

His wife, Hazel, has British and World Masters wins; his daughter, Rebekah, rowed at Imperial College; and his son, Richard, was a rowing captain at the University of Hertfordshire.

With no plans to slow down, Roger has set his sights on an ambitious long-term goal. Which is attempting national and world records in successive age categories, with his ultimate goal for him to still be competing in his 100s. 

He said: “At my first competition in 2004, I saw John Hodgson from Leeds set a world record for the 100+ age group. So, I’ve only got another 20 years of training to go!”