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The New Zealand great-grandfather has been water skiing since the 1950s
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- Bryan Murray, 95, was named the world’s oldest male waterskier after skiing at 94 years and 318 days old
- Murray began waterskiing in the 1950s — more than 70 years ago — and competed in tournaments across New Zealand
- He credits staying active and maintaining a fitness routine for his longevity and hopes to inspire others to do the same
At 95 years old, Bryan Murray is proving age is no barrier to adventure.
The New Zealand great-grandfather is still carving across the water — and now, he’s officially a Guinness World Record holder.
Murray was dubbed the world’s oldest male waterskier after successfully skiing at 94 years and 318 days old this April, according to a news release issued on Tuesday, July 7. The milestone is the latest achievement in a lifelong passion that began more than 70 years ago.
The new record holder first tried waterskiing in the 1950s after a friend installed a motor on a fiberglass boat. Another friend, who had seen the sport while serving in the New Zealand Air Force in Singapore, brought home a pair of waterskis. Before long, Murray was competing in tournaments across New Zealand.
“I was about 30 years old and still just a basic skier when I started in competitions and never reached a high level of skill, but was just good enough to keep winning in age group tournaments in slalom tricks and jump,” he reflected.
Although the record wasn’t always on his mind, Murray said it eventually became a personal goal.
“I didn’t consider it initially but as I got older it became a challenge and I enjoyed it so much I just kept going,” he told Guinness World Records.
During the off-season, Murray keeps up a regular fitness routine at the gym so he’s ready to hit the lake each summer.
Murray’s accomplishments have also become a benchmark for others, something he said means more than holding the title itself.
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“Most people tell me that I am an inspiration to people of all ages,” he said. “It encourages me to know that I am leading the way for others to keep active.”
Away from the water, Murray is a father of two, grandfather of six, and great-grandfather of 10.
As for staying healthy, his advice is simple: Move your body. “You don’t stop because you are too old. You get old because you stop being active,” Murray said.
Read the original article on People
