A consultant at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) has won a coveted bronze medal at the recent European Veterans Indoor Athletics Championships held in San Sebastian, Spain.

Dr Leon Creaney, Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine, got to the semi-finals of the individual 200m (male 35 – 40 category) and was part of the relay team that won bronze in the 4 x 200m. Gold went to France and silver to Russia.

The six-day event saw more than 3,000 veteran athletes from all over the continent competing in various categories such pentathlon, high jump and long jump. There were different age categories from 35 to over 95 years old – there is no age limit for competing.

Dr Creaney said: “I’m really pleased with my performance in Spain – the bronze medal will take pride of place on my wall at home. It’s important to stay fit whatever your age, and veteran championships allow older athletes to compete at a high level. Sport is for life – not just for childhood! My sights are now set on the World Masters Athletics Championships in Brazil this summer.”

The Trust’s Sport and Exercise Medicine service treats patients via GP referral and has been up and running for over a year. Dr Creaney and his team care for a wide range of patients with differing levels of fitness. From routine procedures for patients with musculoskeletal injuries, to elite sportspeople who want to return to competitive sport, the team offers patient-centered care using the latest technology.