In Their 80s, Still Running, Jumping, Breaking Records
Saturday, 2026/09/05175 words3 minutes519 reads
The World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, brought together athletes across many age groups. Chinese athlete Lu Mingpu was 92 when he won the M90 long jump with 2.05 metres. M90 covers competitors aged 90 and over.
Lu entered six events. His long-jump gold was his second gold medal at the championships. Earlier, he joined a 4x100-metre relay team in the younger M85 category and won gold with his teammates. Reports also said he placed fourth in the 100 metres and third in the 200 metres.
Ding Ming, 82, won the M80 80-metre hurdles in 15.99 seconds. Global Times, citing another news report, said he improved the Asian record for his age group. Thailand's Sawang Janpram, 106, was the oldest competitor and competed in throwing events.
The event was not limited to former elite stars. Official registration figures listed 7,522 athletes from 106 countries, plus 3,703 support staff. These achievements are striking, but they are not a training plan for every older person. Exercise needs to suit each person's health, experience and ability.
