THE Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are rightly the focus of athletic achievement at the moment.

But we are confident that the likes of Usain Bolt and other sporting greats who dominate the headlines would understand why The Northern Echo has chosen to focus its spotlight on the wonderfully evergreen Mary Slater today.

Mary is not a household name in the world of sport. She is not the holder of international medals or records. She doesn’t consider herself to be remarkable in any way – but we happen to disagree.

The Darlington grandmother-of-two not only still goes to the gym at the town’s Dolphin Centre but she helps to lead the fitness sessions – at the age of 90.

She is a shining example to those of us who can’t be bothered to keep fit and look for feeble excuses to avoid going to the gym.

As well as her fitness classes, Mary also swam competitively with the Darlington Masters Swimming Club until recently.

She also organises walks and social events and promotes the yearly Swimathon with her husband Jack.

And yet she merely thinks she is “extremely lucky” to be fighting fit at the grand old age of 90.

Luck has, of course, played its part – but so has Mary’s “you’re never too old” approach to life.

Well done to Darlington Borough Council’s head of leisure services, Mike Crawshaw, for recognising Mary’s example and presenting her with a bouquet of flowers on her milestone birthday.

We hope her story inspires others – young, middle-aged and elderly – to make keeping fit part of their lives.

Mary – we salute you and long may you continue to stay fit.