How Hester keeps fit at 80
"I entered the 60-plus age group and over the years moved on to the 70s, and that’s where I seem to be placed now. No one my age enters these races any more."
TWENTY years ago, Hester Bekker was diagnosed with heart failure, angina, high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol. Doctors gave her the ultimatum of changing her diet and considering a more active lifestyle or she ‘would not make it’. “I became a member at Stella Athletics Club and started running and have never stopped since then,” said Bekker.
Today, at the age of 80, she holds an impressive number of trophies, medals and certificates, all from racing competitions she’s entered. “I enjoyed running so much that I entered various races and always did well in them. I entered the 60-plus age group and over the years moved on to the 70s, and that’s where I seem to be placed now. No one my age enters these races any more,” she joked.
She has participated in many marathons, half marathons and 10km races, of which she has made the top three positions. “I’ve walked three 50km races, I was in first place in the Grand Master Ladies’ section and won three gold medals. At the age of 65, I ran the 89km uphill Comrades Marathon and finished the race, achieving my biggest goal,” she recalled.
Proof of her hard work adorns her apartment. Her walls are covered with racing accolades and it seems as if she’ll run out of space before retiring from her sport. “I am a Christian, and every day before I go for my walk I pray, because I know I cannot do it on my own,” she said.
Bekker said she takes medication for ‘old people’s diseases’ but does not let that get in the way of her fitness programme.
“I walk at the beach in the morning. It has its dangers – I’ve been stopped twice for my shoes, but I told them to go to hell,” she giggled. The mother of two and grandmother of four said even though she exercises every day, keeping fit is still challenging but the comments from young people keep her going.
“I am humbled by the many young people who tell me I am an inspiration to them. They tell me they wish to be like me when they get to my age and that inspires me to do well,” said Bekker. “I live one day at a time, not knowing when my heart will fail and stop. Only by God’s grace can I run or walk every day. I do my best and God does the rest. Never give up,” she advised.
