Former Olympian Keri Lees ends 23-year hiatus alongside 86-year-old father
Former Olympian hurdler Keri Lees has made her return to the sport after a 23-year hiatus alongside her 86-year-old father Graham.
Lees, now 53, started her journey at her local club Stafford Athletics Club, and has enjoyed sharing her return with her father.
"My dad has been one my most avid supporters early on as a coach and now he comes to watch me train and compete," Lees told England Athletics.
"I love to watch him compete too and see the joy he gets from it. The atmosphere at clubs nights are always very friendly and welcoming.
"There are squads of all ages training from children to masters athletes. All athletes and coaches - young and old - encourage everyone no matter what their ability and celebrate each other's achievements.
"It's a lot of fun."
Lees competed at the European Championships, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000.
Yet her journey to becoming an Olympic hurdler was somewhat by accident rather than design.
"From a young age, I enjoyed running at primary and middle school, often winning sprint events on sports days and inter school competitions," Lees added.
"My dad was already a member of Stafford Athletics Club, and when I turned nine, took me down to Rowley Park in Stafford to train with a spring group for young athletes.
"As a teenager, I took up hurdling by accident when an athlete hadn't turned up to a race.
"I loved it and went on to compete in junior international teams and then Senior World and European Championships, Commonwealth Games and the Sydney Olympics."
Her father Graham has proudly watched Keri on her journey to the highest echelons of the sport, and is continuing to defy the odds himself.
"When Keri became involved in veteran athletics, her mum and I enjoyed watching her compete again," Graham said.
"I then got involved as an 85+ athlete, albeit by accident. I had started to do park runs in the belief that vigorous exercise, following a heart attack, would help expand my blood vessels.
"I walked the first one in a reasonably good time, so I volunteered to do the mile walk in the veterans league - which led to me being asked to do the sprints and shot put.
"It was encouraging to be informed that despite injuries, I was second in the UK rankings in the 85+ class, and sixth in the over 80s.
"Sharing the sport with Keri is something we have both shared for many years, but it brings back many fond memories."
