Did we mention that not only is Buder the oldest woman to ever complete an Ironman, but she also holds the record for fastest finishing time (16 hours and 32 minutes) for the 85 to 89 age group? But Madonna Buder is killing it still, even at 86. “Though my country still has many issues, I will prove to the world that we are striving”, said Yousofi.
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For those unaware, the Ironman triathlon is organised by the World Triathlon Corporation and is a rigorous contest that requires extreme stamina.
For those who don’t partake in sport, let alone ironman races, these events include 2.4 mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112 mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22 mile (42.20 km) run, raced in that order.
In this week’s dose of inspiration (and maybe a little couch-potato shaming) check out Adweek’s Ad of the Day: Nike’s video celebrating the “Iron Nun”, an 86-year-old triathlete. “But then I realized that the only failure is not to try, because your effort in itself is a success”.
Sister Buder first got into exercise after attending a workshop led by a priest who championed running as a way to harmonise the mind, body and soul. Her physical endurance she attributes to listening to her body and maintaining a positive mindset. “You either achieve or you self-destruct”.
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She’s now the star of a new Nike advertisement where she is shown being put through her paces. It is the latest installment in Nike’s “Just Do It – Nike Unlimited Campaign”, which hails both the everyday athlete and the champion athletes who regularly push beyond the unimaginable.
