Tuesday, October 13, 2009

They May Be Old But These Athletes Got Game

Sydney Australia was recently invaded by 28,292 athletes ranging in age from 24-101 to participate in the world’s largest multi-sport event, the World Masters Games. Among the storied competition comes the tale of Ruth Firth, a 100-year-old great-grandmother who took home the gold in shot-putting with the leading toss in her age group.

Her throw went nearly 14 feet making her far and away the leader in the 100-104 age bracket; although to be fair, she was the only competitor. “I only had to turn up to win the medal, but that wasn’t going to be good enough for me,” said Firth. “I had to show everyone that I could still do it.”

When a Games official suggested to Firth that her success called for a drink, she replied that she doesn’t smoke or drink, but don’t think she’s some health nut, when asked if it were vegetables that powered her success she responded “Oh goodness no – I haven’t eaten vegetables since I was a kid. I don’t like the taste. Bread, meat, fine, but no vegetables, thank you.” She does however walk every day as well as bench-pressing 80 lbs 5-times a week. Feel lazy yet?

One of the other highlights at the World Masters Games was 90-year-old Olga Kotelka to set a new world-record in shot-put for her age group. Another memorable moment came from the barefooted Australian runner in the men’s age 80-84 100 meter race who goes by the name Santa Claus; Osmo Millridge, another barefooted Australian took charge of the age 70+ men’s  steeplechase.

There was no word on the condom consumption in the athlete’s village…

[Daily Mail]

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