Scotland’s ‘Super Gran’ secures podium at Hyrox World Championships
A grandmother from Scotland has been dubbed “Super Gran” after finishing in third place in the 70-74 age group at the Hyrox World Championships in Chicago, reports BritPanorama.
Carole Munro, 71, from Turriff, Aberdeenshire, boasts a distinguished athletic background, holding a black belt in karate alongside experience in squash, judo, kayaking, triathlons, and sea swimming. She entered the Hyrox arena following encouragement from her son, a personal trainer, who suggested the competition.
Despite undergoing hip operations in previous years, Munro successfully qualified for the championship after competing in a singles Hyrox race in London in late 2024. Hyrox events involve a challenging combination of eight one-kilometre runs interspersed with strength and endurance challenges, such as sledge pushes, weighted lunges, and rowing.
During the Chicago race, Munro experienced hip pain by the third lap but managed to persevere and cross the finish line, securing her third-place position among a limited number of competitors in her age group. This success at a global event highlights not just her personal resolve but also the competitive spirit prevalent in these championships.
Munro has expressed her intention to continue competing, aiming to inspire others, particularly older adults, to defy conventional perceptions of age and fitness. She noted, “My son decided to do a competition and said, Do you want to go along with me? I Googled it and thought it was like high rocks, but it’s not. It’s actually a competition of running 8km, and every kilometre you have to do an extensive exercise.”
In addition to preparing for her next event in March, Munro humorously mentioned her commitment to participating in a Hyrox competition with her granddaughter, reflecting her enthusiasm for the sport even as she recovers from her recent surgery.
As Munro gears up for her next challenge, her journey stands as a testament to the idea that age does not define one’s ability to engage in and excel at athletic pursuits. Perhaps her story resonates on a broader scale, illustrating how even the most seasoned athletes continue to embrace new challenges, reminding us all of the boundless potential that exists within each individual, regardless of age.
