Editor’s Note:
In April 2008 while racing in California, Gordy shattered the American record in the 20-kilometer time trial for cyclists 90-and-older. The old record of 57 minutes, 6.89 seconds was set by the late Jack Pardee in 2003. Gordy’s time was 44:53.98. In cycling, a rider’s age is determined by how old he or she turns that year.

Californian Gordy Shields is living proof that it’s never too late to excel at whatever it is you enjoy and that anyone can overcome almost anything.

The 88-year-old can’t walk more than 100 feet but he’s one of the country’s best cyclists.

He told Growing Bolder that the discs in his lower back are slowly deteriorating, which leaves him hunched over. Rather than focusing on the fact that it keeps him from walking, he says his condition is ideal for racing.