Hidekichi Miyazaki is 103-years-old and his goal is to challenge Usain Bolt to a foot race.
Remarkably, Miyazaki only started taking up sprinting eleven years ago, at the age of 92. In that time, he’s come a long way. His 29.83 second time in the 100-meter dash earned Miyazaki a world record for sprinters over 100 years of age.
His reputation has also got him one of the best nicknames in all of sports – the “Golden Bolt.”
After finishing a recent 100-meter race with a time of 38.35 seconds, a mark which Miyazaki gave a “five out of ten”, he set his ambitions even higher:
“I’d love to race Bolt,” the wispy-haired Miyazaki told AFP in an interview after tottering over the line with a joyful whoop at a recent Japan Masters Athletics competition in Kyoto.
“I’m keeping the dream alive. I try to stay in top shape and stay disciplined and healthy. That’s important for everyone – even Usain Bolt.”
If he doesn’t get the chance to race Bolt, Miyazaki has another ambition which is even more impressive. He wants to race in the 105-109 age group in a couple of years. If he simply crosses the finish line in that age class, he’ll set another world record.
“That’s what I’m training for,” said Miyazaki, who loses valuable seconds at the start of races because he can’t hear the gun go off.
“It’s my birthday next month and that’s my next goal.”
[Strait Times via For the Win]
