To give a level playing field to former athletes, people with disabilities or seniors we have several competitions other than the mainstream ones. We have the Paralympics for instance, for those who cannot compete in the category of elite athletes because of their handicaps. Similarly, there is an annual event held in Thailand called the Thailand Master Athletes Championship where seniors compete in various athletic categories.
He is the oldest sprinter in his country and won all the medals in his age category, not just the 100 mt run. His daughter is his coach – she is 70. He eats well, does chores and is obviously of perfectly sound mind.
He won the 100 mt race and also broke the record for this event in centenarians. It is pretty amazing that there is a 100+ category and even more amazing that there were others in that category capable of running to compete.
This person may be almost 40 years younger but they make a good point. An active lifestyle does keep a person fitter and healthier for longer.
What would his athletic prowess have been in his 20s? He could well have been an athlete then as well, or it could well be that his gift isn't athletic prowess per se, just longevity and a remarkable absence of degenerative disease.
Many people half his age are often unable to run a 100 mts – at all! Many others are unable to do this without huffing and puffing and feeling all sorts of aches and pains. This centenarian has to be in great health to be able to run at the speed he does.
Stories such as these of 102 year old Sawang Janpram are inspiring for the rest of us as well. They make us believe that if someone can run and perform the javelin throw and the discus throw at his age, maybe others can take up the challenge at any time life.
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