All the spotlight at Waitakere Trusts Arena athletics stadium on Monday, the fourth day of 2017 World Masters Games in Auckland, was on a 101-year-old woman from India, who raced to title in 100m dash.
Man Kaur, hailing from Chandigarh, the capital city of North Indian state of Punjab, was all smiles and she even came up with a victory dance after crossing the finish line in a minute and 14 seconds, in the race.
Nonetheless, victory was assured for her as she was the only participant in the 100-years-and-over category at the international multi-sport event. The Chandigarh woman greeted the fans after racing past the finish line and was brimming with joy during the medal ceremony.
The Indian woman though, says she is not done yet, but is hungry for more international accolades. Notably, after her glorious feat on Monday, she is gearing up to participate in 200m, shot put and javelin events later this week, according to a report on Stuff.co.nz.
"I enjoyed it and am very, very happy. I am going to run again, I'm not going to give up. I will participate, there's no full stop," Kaur told AFP, as quoted by Firstpost.
Kaur was received with much fanfare as she landed in Auckland a week ago and has been hugely popular among the Indian community. Notably, she took to athletics at the age of 93 without any previous experience, after her son had suggested her the idea of participating in international masters games circuit. In the late-blooming career that has spanned eight years, Kaur has won 17 gold medals.
"Man Kaur truly personifies the 'sport for all' philosophy which World Masters Games is all about and we are thrilled to have her here," World Masters 2017 chief executive Jennah Wootten said.
"I have no doubt that she and many of the other 24,905 athletes competing in these games are inspiring others to lead more active lifestyles and take up a sport."
