Tony Purssell, 100, returns to Henley Royal Regatta after 80 years

Tony Purssell, a 100-year-old former athlete, returned to the Henley Royal Regatta on July 5, 2026, marking the 80th anniversary of his victory in The Grand Challenge Cup. Purssell won the prestigious event in 1946 with a crew that included Oxford University students, shortly after WWII. He recalled the post-war atmosphere and the challenges of rationing during his earlier competition. The regatta this year features over 400 races and a record 862 entries from 21 nations, with the Grand Challenge Cup contested between British and Italian men’s eights.

• 10:57 AMYahoo Sports — Winning rower, 100, returns to regatta 80 years on