At 70, Alvis trades a car accident for a full triathlon dream

Alvis has taken on a new challenge: completing a full triathlon by his 70th birthday in October 2025. His journey into endurance sports began unexpectedly after a car accident in 2010 left him with a high-end bike. Since then, he has embraced cycling, running, and swimming—not just for competition, but for the joy of staying active and exploring California’s scenery.

The turning point came in 2010 when a car accident led to an insurance payout—a top-quality bicycle. Instead of letting it gather dust, Alvis started cycling to work in Palo Alto, a 30-minute ride each way. Over time, those short trips turned into longer adventures, including 'century' rides of roughly 100 miles.

He soon expanded his training to include running and swimming. A half-triathlon—500 metres in the water, 20 miles on the bike, and a 10K run—became one of his early achievements. Yet, for Alvis, the real reward wasn’t crossing the finish line but the process itself: the rhythm of training, the landscapes of California unfolding around him, and the simple satisfaction of staying healthy. Finding a training partner made the routine even better. Researchers confirm that working out with others boosts motivation and consistency, and Alvis experienced this firsthand. The miles on the bike and the kilometres on foot blurred together over time—he’s long since lost count. But the habit stuck, driven by the pleasure of movement rather than the pressure of goals.

Now, with his 70th birthday approaching, Alvis has set his sights on a full triathlon. His approach remains the same: focus on the journey, not just the destination. The accident that once disrupted his life ended up steering him toward a path of endurance, camaraderie, and a deeper connection to the outdoors.