BOB DOBSON spent his birthday morning swimming and boogie-boarding at Trigg Beach. Not bad for a bloke who’s turned 80.
Bob, from Dianella, certainly has plenty of spring in his step and is living proof that you can keep fit at any age.
With a lifetime of sporting achievements behind him, the grandfather of 10 is still a regular on the squash courts.
He also enjoys scuba diving and skiing, an activity he took up aged 64.
“Growing up I was into gymnastics and I had a good run, competing for the state for many years,” he said.
“In 1959 I was the WA open champion and fifth overall in Australia, and was the Australian Floor Champion.”
Bob met Zita, his wife of 53 years, on City Beach on a hot summer’s day.
“She was very sporty – into swimming, netball and squash,” he said. “She taught me a lot about squash.”
Zita, 73, has since given the game up, but Bob still plays three times a week and has been top of his age group in the World Masters Games.
“I am generally competitive and enjoy the camaraderie and friendship,” he said.
“It is a good crowd – the youngest is in their sixties and I am the oldest.
“We do give each other a hard time but it’s all done in fun.”
Zita is a keen kayaker, and a former champion long-distance swimmer who has twice completed the Cott to Rott swim as part of a team of four.
The dynamic duo has scuba dived in places like Indonesia, Phuket, Ibiza and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as WA locations such as Albany and Ningaloo Reef.
“We have done over 1000 dives each. It is very relaxing and beautiful down there with all the colours,” Bob said.
A hip replacement 20 months ago has allowed Bob to remain active, but he has to be careful as age and activity have taken a toll on his neck and spine.
“I used to be able to do standing back somersaults but I would probably struggle to do a handstand now,” he said.
“The body is tightening up a bit. I am known for needing to do a 20-minute warm-up and wind-down. This generally keeps me injury free.
“We have always had a trampoline in the backyard and I can still get up and have a bounce. The thing I have always said is through my genes and my upbringing
I was given a good package and my duty was to look after it and make it keep working.
“So my advice is to keep yourself fit and don’t abuse yourself too much.”
