Denise Toner, 47, has been racking up the medals in recent years and she tells us how she does it and why she loves seeing so many women in their 40s getting fit
A super fit Irish mum of three who has become a European and World athletics champion in her forties says women her age are getting fitter than in their twenties thanks to the latest fitness crazes.
Serial winner Denise Toner has credited cross training and the Hyrox fitness competition for helping her achieve amazing success on the track.
Denise, 47, won gold in the European Masters W45 800m final in Madeira, Portugal, only last weekend, to add to two gold medals she won at the World Masters in Finland in 2022.
Fermanagh woman Denise, a member of Clones Athletics Club in Co Monaghan, was also part of the Irish relay team that won gold in the 400m last weekend.
Her success is all the more incredible given Denise only took up competitive running in her late twenties, and is now regularly competing, and even beating, former Olympians, reports the Irish Mirror.
Denise told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “I only took up running again after my youngest of three son was born, and started training for competitive international competitions in 2015.
“Now I’m coming up against former Olympians who have years of training and experience behind them, but sometimes it’s having fresh legs that helps at this age.”
Denise also reckons that competing in Hyrox competitions, which are indoor challenges that include running, sled pulls, burpee jumps and weights, is making her a much stronger woman.
She added: “Hyrox competitions are very popular in Ireland now and while they are very tough, they are good craic too.
“That sort of cross training certainly builds up your strength and is very beneficial for athletics.”
Denise, who also offers spin and cross training classes to locals in Monaghan, expressed her delight at the increasing number of women in their forties embracing fitness.
She stated: “I see women in their forties who had no interest in PE or sport growing up but are really into their cross training and fitness and are much fitter now than they ever were in their teens or twenties.
“That’s great to see as it’s so beneficial for them. I enjoy giving classes as it’s a great workout for me too.”
Denise’s triumph in Madeira was a true family event, with her husband Phillip and three sons Piaras, Dara and Cillian there to support her.
She shared: “It was the first time my three boys came out to one of my competitions like that so it was special to have them there.
“All three are football mad and love sport themselves so I think they got to enjoy seeing me doing well.”
Denise humorously suggested that the Toners might consider participating in RTE’s popular programme Ireland’s Fittest Family someday. She added: “I think my boys would love that as they are very competitive.”
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