This past May, the International Triathlon Union’s (ITU) World Triathlon Series was held in San Diego. Elite athletes from all over the world competed for international standings, and the final seats on the USA Olympic Team were awarded in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Jim Scott (71) of Palm Desert

The competition was intense and featured 2,100 athletes from 16 countries and 42 states. The Coachella Valley was well represented with four athletes competing in the amateur division. 43 year-old Kimberly Dozier of Palm Desert and 36 year-old Ken Haskett of Palm Springs competed in the Olympic distance. 71 year-old Jim Scott of Palm Desert competed in the Sprint distance along with our local Iron Man Legend, 90 year-old Bill Bell of Palm Desert. Bell, who was featured in the January issue of Desert Health, was the oldest competitor and proud to say that he won first place in his division (90-94).

Jim Scott, whose family has lived in the desert since 1968, also has an inspiring story that we are proud to share.

Scott competed in his first triathlon at age 70 after his third operation for atrial flutter (abnormal heart rhythm). He had always been a multidiscipline athlete – biking, swimming and running – and had competed in many marathons. But in 2006, his diagnosis led to medications that limited his ability to exercise freely. Two partial ablation operations still didn’t allow for full recovery, and Scott was determined to find a better solution.

Through research, networking and pure perseverance, he found the answer in May of 2010 and underwent a full ablation operation at UC San Diego Medical Center. The successful surgery allowed him to discontinue his medications and return to his normal exercise routine.

Bill Bell (90) of Palm Desert proudly donning his Powerbar sponsorship

Four years of doctors, surgeries and medications inspired him to achieve even greater goals, and with encouragement from his daughter, Robin Lyon, herself an Ironman triathlete, Scott competed in his first triathlon. Last year, he successfully finished 8.

“Jim is an inspiration to us all, and it runs in the family,” says his wife Lynn. “His 99 year-old mother, Mary Scott, who also resides in the desert, gets out and swims or exercises every morning.”

Scott proves that you can overcome many obstacles in life when you put your mind to it. And it is never too late to start. Look at Bill Bell. At 90 he is still competing and admired by many in the sport. Last time we spoke, his Powerbar sponsorship was up for renewal. When I asked the status, he said with a smile, “they signed me for another two years.”

A special thanks to Michelle Soltesz of Level 3 Communications whose sponsorship of the event led to our invitation and recognition of these inspiring local athletes, and to Lagardere Unlimited, USA for their generous hospitality. For more information on the ITU World Triathlon Series visit www.triathlon.org.