80-year-old Cancer Survivor Smashes First Hyrox

Posted by author January 29, 2025 Fitness

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Just two months after receiving the all-clear following his battle with cancer, 80 year old Roger Davenport tackled a fitness challenge that would push men a quarter of his age out of their comfort zone, completing the Manchester Hyrox Doubles race on January 25th.

With his partner and coach, Matt Scarff, the pair finished the race, earning Roger the nickname: ‘Roger the Resilient’.

Davenport earned the title after recovering from a stroke and a cancer diagnosis, after wich he approached Scarff for training. Davenport shared, ‘I just didn’t feel as though sitting on the couch was doing [me] very much good.’ The pair then enrolled in the doubles division of the Hyrox competition to raise awareness and funds for cancer.

To put the loftiness of Davenport’s achievement into perspective, the Hyrox fitness event includes an 8k running race, split up every 1km with eight different exercises:

1km ski-erg
50m sled push
50m sled pull
80m burpee broad jump
1km row
200m farmer’s carry
100m sandbag lunge
100 wall balls

‘Roger is living proof that no matter the odds, you can fight back, rise above, and thrive,’ said his race partner in an Instagram caption. ‘This was more than just crossing the finish line; it was a victory for everyone fighting this battle and a big, bold “FUCK CANCER” to every obstacle life throws our way.’

Kate is a fitness writer for Men’s Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Men’s Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isn’t lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.