Japanese centenarian Hidekichi Miyazaki set a fresh record as the world s oldest competitive sprinter this week, one day after turning 105, but said he was disappointed at falling short of his own personal best.
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In 2013, the twinkle-toed sprinter reportedly ran 100m in 38.35 seconds before issuing a throwdown to six-time Olympic gold medallist and the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt.
“I wanted to shave off a few more seconds as I got 36 seconds while training”, Miyazaki, wearing a bright red T-shirt and running shorts, said after completing his 100-metre heat in 42.22 seconds on Wednesday.
Hidekichi Miyazaki says his goal is to challenge Usain Bolt to a race and beat him. “Doctor praise it. I will now have to start working out more with this result”. “I’m tip-top – never had health problems”.
Mr Miyazaki, the ultimate pin up for the nation’s rapidly ageing “silver” demographic, added: “I’m still a novice you know”. The doctors are amazed by me.
Mr Myazaki has lived through two world wars, having been born in 1910 and seems completely unfazed by anything. “I can definitely keep on running for another two or three years”, he told AFP. “I felt deeply sorry”.
The 1.53m Miyazaki, who took up running in his early 90s, trains religiously by popping a kilogram weight in a rucksack and going for daily walks around a park in Kyoto. Pellmann also became the first centenarian to clear the bar in a high jump (.90 meters, just shy of three feet), in addition to discus, long jump and shot put records.
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He then went on to compete in the Asia Masters Athletics Championships in Kitakani, Japan last year at 104 years old, finishing in 34.61 seconds.
