World's Oldest Marathon Runner Retires
Not your average great-great grandfather,
Fauja Singh has completed nine 26-mile (42-kilometer) marathons since taking up
long-distance running just over a decade ago.
On Sunday, the 101-year-old Sikh finished his
final competitive race in Hong Kong, putting an end to a sporting career that
has raised thousands of dollars for charity and been an inspiration to many
around the world.
Nicknamed "Turbaned Tornado" by
fans for his distinctive traditional headwear, Singh said he began
long-distance running in an attempt to lift the depression that engulfed him
after he witnessed the death of his son.
"I suffered a tragic incident in my
life, a traumatic experience; I took up running as a new focus in life. And
then marathon running developed from there," he told CNN at a training
session before Sunday's race.
He completed the 10-kilometer route that
wound its way along Hong Kong's harborfront in one hour 32 minutes and 28 seconds
-- four minutes faster than his time last year despite a small stumble.
"Five or six kilometers into the race, I
really decided to go for it," he said. "I had lots of power today
because I was very happy. "
Singh moved to the UK from India following
the death of his son and entered his first marathon in London in 2000 aged 89.
In 2011, Singh became the first centenarian
on record to complete a marathon after finishing the Toronto Waterfront
Marathon in 2011 in eight hours and 11 minutes and six seconds.
He was also a torchbearer for the 2012
Olympics and was featured in Adidas' "Impossible is nothing"
advertising campaign.
"He's focused, determined and single
minded ... he's never set out to break records," said his trainer
Harmander Singh, who has been coaching him for 13 years.
Although the Hong Kong event was Singh's last
competitive race, his coach said the centenarian will still run for pleasure.
"He's my best student, I would say,
which is ironic because he's twice my age."
As he hangs up his running shoes, Singh told
CNN he had no secret diet or training regimen. He attributed his success to a
simple love of the sport.
"It's because of the happiness I get out
of it. If something makes you happy, you'll do it well."
Comments
Post a Comment