Age is no excuse: how a man changed his body at the age of 61

61-year—old Lian Xian from China became a celebrity thanks to the results of hard training - now this man (whom the tongue does not turn to call grandfather) is in excellent physical shape, just the envy of the young! Moreover, Lian plans to take part in the Dakar Rally 2016 and thus become the oldest participant of the marathon.

Liang Xiang has a son and a grandson, but such a grandfather can give odds to any 30-year-old in terms of physical fitness. Actually, such a physical form is not a miracle of heredity or the pharmaceutical industry, but daily sports for several hours. However, one should not think that Xian makes such efforts for the sake of vanity or to please women. In fact, this is a way to achieve a dream — a Chinese grandfather wants to become the oldest rally participant in South America.

Lian Xian with her son at the Dakar 2012 rally.

Lian Xian worked at a local factory for a long time, then started his own business in 1991. As soon as things went confidently and steadily, and Lian himself earned enough money to move away from direct business management, he devoted his time to long trips behind the wheel. And although he considered himself basically a sporty person, it was obvious that his age did not allow him to compete with younger drivers. Then there was not enough energy, then strength, then observation, then muscle pain distracted from driving.

10 years of hard training to achieve your dreams.

Happy Lian Xian during the rally.

Ten years ago, a friend of his suggested that he make a decisive turn — to start playing sports seriously. So what if 50 years is never too late to do incredible and crazy things to fulfill a dream. And Lian started going to the nearest sports club. Then he changed his diet: now the man eats seven times a day and has almost completely given up meat, although all his life it was mainly it that made up his menu.

Suddenly, at the age of 61, Lian Xian became a local celebrity thanks to his perseverance and commitment to the dream.

Lian and his son have already taken part in the Dakar rally. It was in 2012, and that's when they decided to return to this marathon, having first achieved perfect physical shape. The Chinese media were captivated by Lian Xian's single-mindedness. It was worth publishing his photo, as comments poured in like a river. "None of us have a single excuse for our excess weight," said one of the commentators. Another wrote: "What a man! He lives for his dream!"

Lian Xian at the Dakar Rally.