Lew Hollander: The Ironman Who Proves Age Is Just a Number

  

Lew Hollander’s name is synonymous with endurance, tenacity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness no matter your age. With more than 3,000 athletic events under his belt, Hollander has become a symbol of what’s possible when you refuse to let age dictate your limits. In 2012, at the remarkable age of 82, Lew made history by becoming the oldest man to complete the prestigious Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. But for Lew, it wasn’t just about setting records—it was about the joy of competition, the thrill of pushing his body to the limit, and proving that age truly is just a number.

The Love for Competition
Lew Hollander has always been drawn to competition. From his youth, he embraced athletic challenges with a passion, eventually participating in over 3,000 events ranging from running to biking, and, of course, triathlons. He discovered the Ironman Triathlon, one of the most grueling events in the world, and it became his ultimate challenge.

The Ironman, a race that consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon, is no easy feat for anyone, let alone someone in their 80s. But Lew wasn’t deterred. Instead, he saw it as the ultimate test of his physical and mental resilience. And in 2012, at the age of 82, Lew completed the Ironman Triathlon in Kona, making history as the oldest man to ever finish the race.

  

Endurance at Any Age
What sets Lew apart is not just his impressive achievements but his dedication to maintaining his fitness well into his 80s. Even today, Lew continues to train, run, and bike ride, showing the world that age doesn’t have to slow you down. His commitment to physical fitness and his passion for competition are a testament to the fact that you’re never too old to pursue big dreams, challenge yourself, or achieve greatness.

Hollander’s story is a powerful reminder that staying active and engaging in regular physical activity can help maintain strength, mobility, and overall health as we age. Whether it’s running a marathon, biking, or simply taking a daily walk, maintaining an active lifestyle helps prevent many of the physical and mental challenges associated with aging.

Key Lessons from Lew Hollander’s Journey

• Embrace Competition and Challenge Yourself
  Lew’s love for competition has kept him motivated and inspired throughout his life. The key to his success is embracing challenges, both big and small, and never settling for “good enough.” He shows us that taking on challenges can keep life exciting and fulfilling, no matter how old we are.
• Age is Just a Number
  Completing the Ironman Triathlon at 82 years old shattered any notion that age is a limitation. Lew’s story proves that with the right mindset, training, and determination, age does not have to stand in the way of achieving even the most demanding goals.
• Stay Active, Stay Healthy
  Lew’s continued commitment to training, running, and biking showcases the importance of staying physically active as we age. Regular exercise helps us maintain our strength, flexibility, and overall health, contributing to a longer and more fulfilling life.
• The Power of Consistency
  Completing the Ironman wasn’t a one-time achievement for Lew; it was the result of years of consistent training, discipline, and commitment. The key to Lew’s success—and to anyone’s success—is making fitness a priority and sticking to it over the long term.
• Passion Never Fades
  Lew’s enduring passion for sports and competition is an inspiration to us all. His story shows that passion for something—whether it’s a sport, hobby, or goal—can last a lifetime, driving you to keep going, even when the going gets tough.

Never Stop Chasing Your Dreams
Lew Hollander’s achievements, particularly completing the Ironman Triathlon at 82, serve as a powerful reminder that you are never too old to dream big, push yourself to new heights, or take on the toughest challenges. Whether it’s a triathlon, a marathon, or a personal fitness goal, the sky is the limit when you stay focused, active, and passionate.

Lew’s story encourages us all to never stop pursuing what excites us, even as we age. Fitness, competition, and the drive to push past our limits are not reserved for the young—they are for everyone who is willing to put in the effort and embrace the challenge.

So, whether you're an experienced athlete or someone just starting on your fitness journey, remember Lew’s message: age is just a number, and it’s never too late to chase your dreams.