Ida Keeling is not your average 100-year-old woman. In addition to being a former civil rights activist as well as a beloved great-great grandmother, she is also a track-and-field athlete. One who now holds a world record in the 100-meter dash for centenarians, to be exact.
This past Saturday at the Penn Relays in Philly, Ida made history when she became the fastest person ever in her age group to complete the 100-meter dash. Running the race in 1 minute and 17.33 seconds, she broke the record for individuals 100 and up. She also became the first woman in history to complete the 100-meter dash at the age of 100.
Ida finished the race to the roaring sounds of clapping and cheering and a crowd of over 40,000 people on their feet, but she wasn’t done yet. After crossing the finish line, she got down on the ground and did five push ups.
Ida first discovered her love for running at the age of 67. It was a way for her to cope with life after two of her sons were murdered. Encouraged by her daughter Shelley, she ran her first race in the ’80s and has been going ever since. Previously, she also set the record for the 60-meter dash in 2011 and has won a few other notable awards.
Ida will be turning 101 in just a few days and she indicates that she may be done with racing for good. However, that doesn’t mean she plans on slowing down anytime soon. “I decide I’ll just stick with the gym…that’s one of my main places,” she says.
So what exactly is her secret to staying so fit and healthy at 100? “Your strength is in you,” Ida declares. “If you got a will, you’ll find a way. I’m always asking God for will, and I always can find a way, so that’s the way it is for me.”
