BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Every morning at about 4 o'clock, 60-year-old ironman champion Wang Zhipeng can be seen riding his bicycle along the expressway from Harbin to Wuchang, covering a total distance of 60km, followed by a 10km run and a 1500km swim.

Triathlon was recognized as a formal sporting event in China back in 1989. One year later, Wang took part in his first ever triathlon in Beijing, ranking 80th among 500 athletes.

"I became a real iron man," said Wang, who has spent over 100 thousand yuan on bicycles over his lifetime, leaving behind more than 300 punctured tyres.

Wang's dream came true when he won the championship of the Chinese Triathlon League held in the costal city of Dongdaihe in Hebei province in 2016, with a record 2:27.11.98, a time faster than many young athletes manage to achieve.

"I couldn't help sobbing when standing on the podium seeing my hardwork pay off," said Wang.

A few months later, Wang finished third in the 50-55 year old category in the Ironman 70.3 in Xiamen.

Wang spent more time in exercising triathlon after retiring which made him another triathlon champion in Tangjiawan, Hebei province earlier this year.

The growing need for health and exercise among increasingly-affluent Chinese means that more amateur players are participating in triathlon. Among them is Wang's daughter Wang Yulei.

Wang Yulei got her first championship in Beidaihe in Hebei province in the Chinese Triathlon League on June 18th 2017. Her father Wang Zhipeng got second place.

"That was the best and most special gift I could have received for Father's day," said Wang.

"Triathlon brings health, happiness and confidence. If I could live to be 100 years old, I would devote my life to triathlon," said Wang. Enditem

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