ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tony Handler lives by the mantra, "Never give up." It's how the 83-year-old became an Ironman triathlete – and conquered six types of cancer. 

“I made up my mind then, when they told me I had two years to live,” Handler said. “I said ‘Well, if I can ever get out of this hospital, I will do what I can do to try to get the body stronger and maybe even fight it that way somehow.’”

While battling a rare form of pancreatic cancer, Tony set out on a goal to compete in an Ironman Triathlon, after watching one on the television in his hospital room. At 60 years old, Tony conquered that goal. He hasn’t stopped competing in triathlons since – and he doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

“I keep saying I will keep going until the body says no more,” Tony said. “So far, I’ve been blessed that it hasn’t come to that, so I’ll keep going until I just can’t.”

Tony said running is getting more challenging as he gets older – but not biking, which is his favorite part of the race. 

On Sunday, Tony completed his 326th race at the St. Anthony’s Triathlon. While some triathletes might be in it for the competition, that’s not Tony. For him, it’s all about the thrill of crossing the finish line. 

“It just feels good when you cross the finish line, no matter what age you are,” Tony said. “It’s wonderful.”

“I’ve had six different types of cancer, so I have a little thing in my head that says if I can get to that finish line, I beat Mr. Cancer again,” he continued. “That’s the only competitor I have these days.”

Living by his own mantra, Tony has yet another goal: to bike his age in miles every birthday. That means he’ll plan to ride 84 miles next week. 

The St. Anthony’s Triathlon celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. On Sunday, the swim portion of the event was cancelled due to inclement weather, but that didn’t stop several athletes from participating.

Proceeds from the race support programs and services at St. Anthony’s Hospital.