Gogglebox star Simon Minty is buzzing after being selected for the World Dwarf Games.
The telly legend, 55, will compete in power lifting and the bench press at the tournament in Cologne, Germany next month.
Simon, who admits it’s “cool” becoming an athlete in his 50s, will also take part in the ball sport boccia, which is similar to bowls.
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But he said the “best bit” is “meeting and hanging out with other short people from all over the world”.
The disability and diversity consultant, who was born with dwarfism, tweeted: “S** just got real. My kit has arrived for the World Dwarf Games in Cologne next month.
(Image: TWITTER)
“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.”
Fans flocked to send good luck messages to him.
Simon, who has appeared on Goggglebox since October 2021 alongside his sister Jane, added: “Wow, you’ve blown me away. Thank you so much everyone* for your kind words, support and encouragement.
“I’m competing in power lifting / bench press and Boccia (roughly a mix of Boule and bowls).”
The international tournament, which takes place from July 28 to August 5, will see more than 500 athletes with dwarfism compete against each other.
It describes itself as enabling “athletes with dwarfism to compete at eye-level on a level-playing field, motivating them to participate in more sports”.
Simon, a former high street banker, earlier this month revealed he had been targeted by some youngsters while out shopping.
He wrote on Twitter: “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: “Thank you to everyone who commented and sent support, love, hugs and wisdom. It was a lovely surprise, overwhelming and kind.”
Simon now heads a consultancy firm which improves the recruitment, retention and promotion of disabled staff.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
