HE HAS survived Olympic heartbreak, a heart attack and the Sheffield floods and now Reg de Soysa is enjoying a new lease of life - thanks to a city sports centre.
The 80-year-old from Firth Park says he is feeling stronger than he has in years thanks to staff at Concord Sports Centre.
Half a century ago Reg was a top athlete set to represent India in the 100m, 200m, relay and hockey at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
But two weeks before he broke his leg playing football dashing his hopes and dreams of sporting glory.
Reg, who has lived in Sheffield since he left Bombay in 1956 said: "I was clocking 10.4 seconds in the 100 metres and 21.1 for the 200 metres and it was five years of blood, sweat and tears up in smoke. But maybe it has stood me in good stead for the challenge of getting myself fit again at 80."
Reg suffered a series of setbacks starting with a massive heart attack in May 2007. And then his home was damaged by last summer's floods.
Since then Reg has been taking part in a 12 week course at Concord Sports Centre for those who want to get back to fitness.
He said "It was the beginning of a new era for me. The fitness sessions have really got me going again and long may it continue."
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