Doug Bentley and family On July 21st 2003, the 21st version of Penticton's Olympic distance Peach Classic Triathlon was contested and saw its first ever finisher in the 80+ age category. As if that wasn`t special enough, the man in that category was a local who had also raced in the 60+ and 70+ categories in the past two decades of this event and had three fellow family members and generations competing in the same event. Pictured here (from left to right) are his grandson Steve Cross from Westbank, son Jim Bentley of Calgary, Doug and his son-in-law Jim Cross.


All four completed the 1.5km swim, the 40km bike and 10km run, and many tears were shed as family and friends from across the country, spectators, and fellow triathletes gathered to see Doug Bentley becoming the final champion of the day by crossing the finish line in 4:19:21 and receiving a standing ovation at the awards ceremony that followed.

Later that evening there was a celebration of Doug's 80th birthday and athletic achievements and one of the highlights was when those gathered serenaded Doug with a surprise rendition of "DOUGIE BOY" sung to the tune of 'Danny Boy'.

O Dougie Boy, the tri, the tri was calling

From OK Lake and down the Lakeshore Drive

The summer's come and all the athletes gather

And they will swim, bike, run - but I must fly

But run you back where son and grandson follow

Or when the family's flushed with wine and pride

'Cause we'll be there in sunshine and admiration

O Dougie Boy, o Dougie Boy, we love you so.

And if you still swim while all the others are riding

And we're in awe, in awe we all may be

You'll run and find the place where we're all waiting

And we'll cheer on our octogenaric triathlete

And we shall hear that Steve announce you finish

And your dear Phyllis will warm and sweeter be

'Cause now you've won another 10 year category

And we'll wait again until you turn ninety.

(Lyrics by Steve King)

Doug's fitness is an inspiration to us all and he is a hero to his family - that weekend will remain a memorable one to all those who attended.