Gogglebox star Simon Minty over the moon as he lands huge new career – and becomes an athlete in his 50s
GOGGLEBOX star Simon Minty has revealed his brand new career as an athlete at the age of 55.
The Channel 4 star – who has appeared on the programme since 2021 alongside his sister Jane – has been selected to compete in the World Dwarf Games.
Simon said he is delighted with the opportunity to take part – saying “s*** just got real.
The disability and diversity consultant will compete in power lifting and the bench press and a ball sport called boccia, which is similar to bowls.
Simon said it’s “cool” to become an athlete in his 50s as he gears up to perform at the tournament in Cologne, Germany next month.
The TV star will also take part Simon in the ball sport boccia, which is similar to bowls.
Simon shared the good news with fans, writing: “S*** just got real. My kit has arrived for the World Dwarf Games in Cologne next month.
“Kinda cool becoming an athlete in your 50s.
“Although the best bit for me is meeting and hanging out with other short people from all over the world.”
The World Dwarf Games are the largest international sporting event held exclusively for athletes with dwarfism. Its goal is to attract athletes with dwarfism.
Its goal is to attract athletes with dwarfism from around the world to participate in sports that include basketball, soccer, track and field, volleyball, swimming, table tennis, badminton, floor hockey, boccia, archery, kurling, powerlifting and marksmanship.
Athletes of all ages and every level of ability will be encouraged to participate in team and individual sports and explore their own athletic abilities with others of similar stature.
Earlier this month Simon revealed he was targeted by strangers while he was out shopping.
Simon has become a huge fan favourite after appearing on our screens every Friday – and being in the spotlight comes with a lot of positives.
However it also has negatives.
The reality star took to Twitter to share his scary ordeal.
Simon tweeted: “Today, some 12yo boys came up to me to point and laugh. I said ‘grow up’.
“I carried on shopping, which took some courage as they followed me.
“Nearly spoke with shop security, it was that horrible. Left for the safety of Waitrose, bumped in to a special friend and rallied.”
He added: “There was some peer pressure going on too. I was going to tell them ‘one or more of you isn’t comfortable with what you’re doing right now, stand up for what you believe and you will have a better life than the others’.”
Fans rushed to the comments section to share the love.
One said: “Gosh that sounds dreadful, I hope that you are safe now, I hate people most of the time especially when I read something like this. Sending love xx.”
A second added: “sorry you had to deal with that.”