Thirty-year-old fitness buff 'too old' to be firefighter

Super fit Rob Becerra, 30, belongs in an old folks' home.

At least, that's the opinion of the New York Fire Department, who turned him down for being too old despite his incredible fitness.

According to News.com.au, Mr Beceraa was even barred from taking the entrance exam because city rules automatically exclude anyone over the age of 29.

"At 30 years old, I'm in the best physical shape of my life," he said.

"I know a couple guys who are 25, and, with all due respect, they're in nowhere near as good physical shape as I am, yet they have the opportunity. It's not about age - it's whether you can do the job."

New York City's firefighters are renowned for being incredibly fit, but Mr Becerra is only 177cm tall (that's 5'10" if you're old school) and weighs in at a trim 77kg.

"It's a shame," his girlfriend Grace Navarro said, adding he often comes to her rescue if she goes out wearing high heels.

"Sometimes he'll pick me up, and carry me for blocks."

Mr Becerra who works out five days a week wrote on his Facebook page: "Age Discrimination by FDNY page 9, N.Y. Post newspaper....if you or someone you know has experienced this please come forward. Thanks."