Super Grand: World's oldest gymnast aged 86 performs jaw-dropping routine on parallel bars If you were inspired to take up a sport by the London 2012 Olympics but then quickly dismissed the idea because you thought you were too old - then think again. A German gymnast has shown age is no barrier to sporting achievement by being named the world's Oldest Gymnast at the age of 86. Johanna Quaas appeared on This Morning and amazed presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield with her display of strength and agility on the parallel bars. Scroll down for video
Perfect ten: Johanna Quaas performed a flawless routine on the parallel bars on today's This Morning Defying her age: The 86-year-old balanced upside down and did scissor twists The 86-year-old from Leipzig performed a flawless routine live on the TV show which included scissor twists, hand stands and a perfect dismount. Holly could be heard whispering 'oh my gosh' in astonishment as Johanna displayed strength and speed that defied her years. Before Johanna took to the bars, Holly asked her if she ever felt aches and pains as a result of her exercise regime.
Super Grand: Johanna held her own body weight with perfect poise and balance
Never too late: The pensioner said she took the sport up competitively in her Fifties Johanna replied via a translator: 'Not at all, as soon as I wake up, I'm an early bird so my morning routine is running up and down the stairs.' As well as running, she regularly does yoga. She explained that she had been born into a family of gymnasts and did the sport for a time as a child. However, she gave it up to get married and have children and then 'picked it up again' in her Fifties, performing in her first competition at the age of 56. In a spin: Twists and rolls were no problem for the pensioner
Inspiration: Speaking via a translator, she said she runs up and down the stairs every morning The gymnast appeared on the ITV show after being officially named the world's Oldest Gymnast in this year's Guinness World Records. She said: 'It is great feeling to be included and I hope the record inspires others to realise it's never too late.'
Ta dah! The gymnast jumped from the bars with a controlled dismount after the routine
Amazed: Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield applaud Johanna following her dismount Watch Johanna perform on the parallel bars  click on image to play video |