101-year-old Man Kaur wins gold at World Masters Games

SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Spectators in attendance at New Zealand’s Waitakere sports complex had plenty of time to savor the most inspirational performance of the World Masters Games so far.

World-class sprinters can usually cut out 100 meters in about 10-11 seconds — if you’re a recreational athlete, something around 13-15 seconds isn’t too bad.

When you’re 101 years old, you set your own pace.

So it was Man Kaur, a 101-year-old Indian woman, who wowed onlookers with her 1m 14.58s dash down the home straight, capturing the hearts and admiration of everyone on hand. As the oldest entry at the WMG2017, her arrival in New Zealand was heralded since she touched down a week ago, she has spent most of her time among Auckland’s Indian community, while also training for her events.

This was just the first of her four events — she has also entered the 200 meters, shot and javelin later this week.

When she arrived early at Trusts Arena, Man Kaur made her way immediately to the 100 meters start, where she seemed — at first glance — to be someone’s grandmother, here to wish her relative luck and perhaps bless their efforts.

Media began to gather around her, requesting photos and interviews. Their efforts were shut down, so Kaur could focus on her preparation, which seemed to be entirely mental. Here serenity was further disrupted when race officials arrived, informing her she had not reported to the call tent at the far end of the field.

Thankfully, a golf cart arrived to whisk her off for the formalities.

It was time to race. She shared the track with two comparatively spritely 85-89 year olds, who seemed in awe of their rival.

The gun sounded, the youngsters quickly galloped off, but Man Kaur was undeterred, striding along at her own pace.

Man Kaur crossed the line to rapturous applause, mobbed by paparazzi wanting to record this moment, reporters seeking the secrets of long life and just about everyone else wanting a selfie with this true force of nature.

“She is very happy being here,” her translator told the crowd. “She keeps herself busy and healthy with walking, running and cooking.”

“While there is life, she will never give up – she loves to run.”

In the backdrop, Clasina van der Veeken, 85, who captured the silver medal, watched in amazement.

“It was something special,” said van der Veeken. “I was very pleased she was so healthy and still can do it.”

“I’d like to keep doing that if I can.”

What will Kaur do once the World Masters Games were over?

“She is going to run again,” insisted her translator. “There is no full stop.”