DENMARK: A Medal for Grandma

Life as an athlete did not begin for Denmark’s Bendtsine Bendtsen until she was over 40. At that sedate age, she began practicing gymnastics with the local ladies’ team and pedaling a bicycle through the countryside. Last week, after first getting permission from her teacher, Bendtsine made her big try for a gold badge awarded by the Danish Athletic Association.

She cycled 12½ miles in 57 minutes, ran 215 yards in 43 seconds, walked five miles in 74 minutes. Then she heaved a javelin 59 feet. She got her medal. She also drew a frown from her children who didn’t approve of such behavior in a woman of 72. “It’s not grandmotherly,” they said.