HE has had polio, open heart surgery, suffered a cardiac arrest, was pronounced clinically dead and is even fitted with a pacemaker.

But Ray Moon, who turns 80 next year, has the body of a man half his age - and muscles most men wish they had.

Instead of just giving up on his health, Mr Moon hit the gym and became a champion bodybuilder -- the oldest in Australia.


[attachment=0]0,,6172718,00.jpg[/attachment]

Since walking into a gym just four years ago, the former acclaimed chef and restaurateur has taken out four Victorian and Australian bodybuilding championships (over-70 division).

Now he is training for his fifth, where he will compete at the National Amateur Body Building Association's Victorian Championship on September 14.

This is despite suffering two minor strokes, prostate problems and a twisted bowel in the last few years.

"Giving up never won a race - that's what I tell myself and it works," said.

"A few years ago I really hit a wall, lost everything. I walked passed this gym (Athletique Health Club) in Preston, saw a sign and so I went on up.

He said gym owner Graeme Lancefield - a former Mr Universe winner - was so supportive "that I've never looked back and I've never felt better".

Mr Moon was in the hospitality industry for 64 years and even cooked for the Queen before taking up body-building.

Mr Moon said he initially didn't think he was good enough, but Mr Lancefield convinced him otherwise.

Just a year short of turning 80, Mr Moon amazes younger members with his disciplined 2 1/2 hour training regime up to six days a week.

He focuses on resistance training and pulley weights, and walks at least 4km a day.

His positive attitude, determination and dedication has inspired body-building audiences and he often receives standing ovations.

"The audience's appreciation and applause was the reason I came back a second time, it was marvellous," the Thornbury man said.

"I have to compete in a black pair of Speedos, you have to show your muscles you know and you're coloured. It's a bugger to get off. I was washing it off for two weeks.

"But, in all, it's quite an experience. It keeps you young."

NABBA president Mr Lancefield said while most people were retiring, Mr Moon was finding his straps.

"He's remarkable. Most people hitting 80 would have trouble getting out of bed," he said.

"I don't know of anyone else in the world competing at his age. I would say Ray is the oldest competing bodybuilder in the world."

Gym buddy Veronica Forster, who met Mr Moon almost a year ago, said he was greatly admired.

"There ain't many around like Ray, I tell you," she said.

"He's unbelievable, he just goes at 100 miles an hour. He's such an incredible human being and a real inspiration