barublogThe Journey of Mann Kaur: A Centenarian Athlete
At the age of 101, Mann Kaur, a great-grandmother from Chandigarh, is making headlines yet again. After earning the title of the world’s fastest centenarian at the American Masters Games in Vancouver, she is now gearing up for the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand, from April 21.
The “Olympics for Veterans”
The World Masters Games is a prestigious quadrennial event often called the “Olympics for veterans.” This year, it will feature 18,000 competitors from 100 countries across 28 disciplines. Mann Kaur is ready to participate in four events in the 100-plus age category:
- 100m sprint
- 200m sprint
- Shot put
- Javelin throw
Training Hard at 101
For the past five months, Mann Kaur and her 79-year-old son, Gurdev Singh, have been training rigorously at Punjabi University, Patiala.
“In Chandigarh, the stadium was far from our home, so we relocated to Patiala for better access,” shared Gurdev, who himself is a veteran athlete and will compete for Canada in the Games.
Their hard work has paid off, with Mann Kaur improving her 100m timing to 1 minute, 10 seconds, a remarkable achievement for someone over a century old.
Starting Her Athletic Journey at 93
Mann Kaur’s foray into athletics began in 2009 when she was 93 years old. Inspired by a 90-year-old woman competing at the World Masters Meet in Canada, Gurdev encouraged his mother to give running a try. Though hesitant initially, Mann Kaur found joy and success in the sport.
Two years later, she secured victories in the 100m and 200m events in the 90+ category at the national masters meet.
Her Secret to Longevity and Fitness
Mann Kaur credits her health and energy to a simple and nutritious diet. She starts her day with a glass of kefir and eats chapathis made from sprouted wheat while avoiding fried food entirely.
“Good food and discipline are key to staying active,” she says.
An Inspiring Legacy
Before her athletic journey, Mann Kaur worked as a caretaker for the queens of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala before India’s independence. Her extraordinary life story and achievements serve as an inspiration to people of all ages, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Mann Kaur’s determination and success exemplify that age is merely a number. As she trains hard to conquer the World Masters Games, her journey reminds us all to embrace a life of passion, discipline, and perseverance.
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