Strength and stamina overcome youth

Despite being more than four decades older than his tertiary student challengers, Dunedin’s Campus Cop has once again beaten the competition at an annual test of stamina.

Yesterday marked the fourth iteration of Senior Constable John Woodhouse’s Orientation Week push-up competition at University College.

The 60-year-old designed the challenge as a way of getting to meet some of the students.

He said the scores this year were impressive, but they once again failed to best his 62-push-up effort.

"They broke the challenger record, which is impressive.

"It's not an easy task and they certainly haven't been training for it," he said.

"I was really nervous, to be perfectly honest. I could feel a bit of adrenaline there, but I think I'm good for a couple of years yet."

But college deputy warden Chris Jacobs reckoned one day, the officer would meet his match.

"He keeps getting older and they just stay the same age, so one of these years someone's going to cap him."

Genetics student Casey Thwaites (18) was one of top challengers yesterday, achieving 43 push-ups.

He had been practising leading up to the event,
but having to have bare knuckles on concrete made it more gruelling.

"It's shocking, knuckles definitely hurt a lot."

Health science student Maddison Phipps (17) notched up 30 push-ups, crediting her sporting background.

"I used to do gymnastics. I did that for 13 years and that's pretty intense."