‘It’s exhilarating!’: Mum of triplets smashing track records aged 61

A mum of triplets, who took up running in her 40s to relieve the stress of early motherhood, has her sights set on the World 1,500m Championship title this year.

Clare Elms, 61, of Foxgrove Road in Beckenham, had always been sporty growing up but focused on her schoolwork and exams.

She said: “Looking back, I can see I was a good, all-round athlete in my youth but sport wasn’t my passion at that time.”

After university, the trade support analyst put her efforts into working long hours in the City and building her career.

But, when she gave birth to triplets in her 30s, something changed.

She said: “Looking after three babies was hard going and I was exhausted.

“A friend said to me, ‘look, you’re going to have to do something to help yourself – why don’t you jog round the block?’

“That’s how it started.”

Soon, Mrs Elms progressed from jogging several times round the block to running laps around the park.

When a passer-by suggested she joined a running club, she took their advice and her talent began to blossom.

At the age of 45 she began training professionally and since then, has gone on to win countless medals in British, European and Worldwide competitions in her age group.

Approaching 50, Mrs Elms won the Kent County Championships and in September last year, aged 60, she became the oldest woman to break the five-minute barrier in the 1500m race.

This year, she has her sights on the World 1,500m Masters Championships, taking place in Florida.

Mrs Elms said: “Despite my age, people always tell me I’ve got ‘fresh legs’.

“If I had started training when I was young, I would probably have peaked much sooner and then retired.

“Younger people can become downcast if they don’t win or lose out to another athlete.

“The life experience of older athletes means that they’re usually more able to move on quickly from disappointments.”

Ms Elms said understanding both her limits and abilities as she has aged is key to her success.

She said: “You can’t sprint out the door but you don’t necessarily get injured more because you’re older.

“You know your body and that it probably takes you longer to warm up. I’ve met people of 75 or 80 who are still competing.”

Mrs Elms’ triplets – Lucy, Alex and James, all 24, have developed their mothers’ sporting talents.

But, only Lucy has followed her onto the track and the pair often train together at the Alex Yee Arena in Ladywell, Lewisham.

Both women have been given a ‘leg up’ by charitable social enterprise GLL’s Sport Foundation which last year supported more than 800 London athletes with £551,000 of support.

Athletes are given funding, free access to training facilities and practical help with physical and emotional wellbeing.

Outside sport, Mrs Elms looks after her elderly parents and finds that running provides a release from the stress of her caring responsibilities.

She said: “It’s exhilarating! You can put your headphones on and listen to music as you go.

“Pretty soon, you’re in a better frame of mind.”

Pictured top: Clare Elms with her daughter, Lucy and two sons Alex and James (Picture: Clare Elms)