Published May 2, 2016 12:46PM
100-Year-Old Sets A World Record At A Huge Track Meet
100 for 100—that's what people said when Ida Keeling set a world mark at 100 years old—and then she chased it with pushups.
We all fell in love with Ida Keeling, the American-record holder for the 95-99 age group in 60 meters, when she spoke openly with the New York Times about her struggles with losing two sons under tragic circumstances. Under 5 feet tall, she’s definitely not the tallest runner, but she’s proven to be one with longevity and speed.
At the 122nd Penn Relays over the weekend, Keeling set yet another record—a world mark in the 100 meters for runners 80 years and older. Her daughter, Shelly, is her coach, and says she does the same exercises as any runner, including “squats, push-ups. She can do a lot of calisthenic movements where she can use her own body weight.”
The crowd clearly had a favorite, as they cheered loudly for Keeling. Now the question is: Does she know Harriette Thompson?