Her name is Harriette Thompson. This Sunday, May 31, 2015, this American (from the city of Charlotte, in the state of South Carolina) took part in the marathon of San Diego, which is held annually in the city of the same name. His time ? 7 hours, 24 minutes and 36 seconds. So far, nothing exceptional. Except that Harriette is 92 years old.
The nonagenarian (!) is not at her first attempt: in fact, this year, she was competing in this 42.195 km long marathon for the sixteenth time. At the age of 92 years and 65 days, she is therefore the new holder of the record for the oldest participation, since the previous one was held by another American, Gladys Burrill, 92 years and 19 days. Decidedly, the seniors have fishing!
“I have a few aches, but everything is fine, she explained, all smiles, to the newspaper Charlotte Observe. I find it hard to believe that I succeeded. At one point, I was really tired. There was a hill in front of me and I felt like I had to climb a mountain. But when I run, I really feel like I’m 16! »
This grandmother of 10 grandchildren started running at the age of 76 to raise funds for the fight against cancer. A disease she knows well for having overcome it twice. “I know that the disease has weakened me. I’m not as resilient as I would like. But that doesn’t stop me from trying! The beating sportswoman was greeted at the finish line by the applause of the 21,000 participants.
His secret? “I play piano each day. It helps me stay focused on my goals, and it keeps me disciplined. We just have to try!
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