The world's oldest athlete was hit by a bus at 114: these were the records he set.
Fauja Singh is one of the symbols of longevity in sport. Photo: AFP
Fauja Singh was a British Sikh athlete of Indian origin who became a symbol of perseverance and longevity for many athletes around the world until the last day of his life.
However, the well-known "Turbaned Tornado" died at the age of 114 after being hit by a vehicle while walking down a street in the village of Beas Pind, located in the Jalandhar district of Punjab, India.
Fauja Singh has participated in several marathons since 2000. Photo: AFP
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According to the local authorities' report, although the man was taken to a nearby medical center for treatment, his head injuries were serious.
"The accident occurred on the main highway near the town of Beas. We are reviewing security camera footage," police officer Preet Singh told Indian media.
The agent also mentioned that the news was released to the press by his biographer, Khushwant Singh , after he contacted some of the marathon runner's relatives to receive instructions.
Hours later, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his regret and remember the athlete as "an extraordinary figure" for his determination, which constantly inspired young people.
Fauja Singh is renowned for his record-breaking performances. Photo: AFP
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After the death of one of his sons in 1994, Fauja Singh decided to start jogging to help him cope with the pain of loss, but it wasn't until 2000 that he found running to be more than just a hobby.
Hoping to complete a race, a few months later, the athlete decided to participate in the London Marathon , where he rose to fame by finishing in six hours and 54 minutes.
Fauja Singh started running at 89. Photo: AFP
While the athlete became one of the most recognized athletes from that moment on, his goal was always clear: to go one step further. To that end, in 2003, he entered the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, where he achieved his personal best time.
Despite this, 2011 was the year in which he shone the most, due to the fact that he achieved eight world records in his age group , during the Fauja Singh Invitational Tournament of the Ontario Teachers Association, where he achieved times that did not even have previous records and that only he imposed.
- 100 meters in 23.40 seconds.
- 200 meters in 52.23 seconds.
- 400 meters in 2 hours and 13 minutes.
- 800 meters in 5 hours and 32 minutes.
- 1,500 meters in 11 hours and 27 minutes.
- One mile in 11 hours and 53 minutes.
- 3,000 meters in 24 hours, 52 minutes and 47 seconds.
- 5,000 meters in 49 hours, 57 minutes and 39 seconds.
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