OTD 1979: ‘The world’s fittest pensioner’

80-year-old Noel Johnson from the United States, said by experts to be the world’s fittest pensioner, visits Britain. John Mitchell interviewed Mr Johnson about why he started his fight for super fitness and how he maintains his standard of health.

Johnson was born in Heron Lake, Minnesota. He supported himself during the great depression as a professional boxer, Noel later moved to San Diego, married, and worked for Convair. He was told by his doctors at age 70 that he had only six months to live. Embarking on a new life of diet, exercise, weight training, isometrics, walking, and marathon running, he became the premiere athlete in the 65 and over age group in the United States.

Johnson was a regular participant in the Senior Olympics. In 1979, he dazzled the competition by winning gold medals in the marathon, the mile, 13000 meters, and in boxing—where he won the final at age 79 by decking his 40-year-old opponent. Even more amazing was the fact that his opponent was wearing headgear. Johnson was not. He ran marathons across the United States and around the world. He was awarded the Presidential Award for Physical Fitness by President Ronald Reagan. One of his books, entitled A Dud at 70, A Stud at 80: How To Do It features a cover with Johnson, 80, and his thirty-something girlfriend.

Johnson died at his home in San Diego on January 21, 1996.