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Philip RabinowitzRunner, centenarian, Guinness Book record holder
Date of Birth: 16.02.1904
Country:  South Africa |
Content:
- The Longevity of a Guinness World Record Holder
- Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
- Family and Leadership
- An Enduring Legacy
The Longevity of a Guinness World Record Holder
Flying Phil: A Life in MotionPhilip Rabinowitz, affectionately known as "Flying Phil," was born in 1904 in Lithuania. As one of seven brothers, he immigrated to South Africa at the age of 21 and lived there for the remainder of his life.
Raffia discovered his love of sports at a young age, playing soccer and maintaining a lifelong habit of daily fitness. "I've always walked or run because there were no cars around when I was young," he said. At 70, he took up karate, and at 90, joined the Cape Town Athletics Club, where he dedicated himself to race walking.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
With an astonishing time of 30.86 seconds, Rabinowitz became the fastest 100-year-old to run 100 meters at the age of 100, breaking the previous record held by Erwin Jaskulski by six seconds. This remarkable achievement earned him a Guinness World Record.
Family and Leadership
In South Africa, Rabinowitz met his wife and together they opened a shopping center. By profession, he was an accountant, working for his daughter's firm in his later years. They raised two daughters, who in turn gave them five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
An Enduring Legacy
Philip Rabinowitz passed away on February 28, 2008, just days after celebrating his 104th birthday. Throughout his life, he remained an active sportsman, participating in the first strides of his athletics club's races. The club even established an event in his honor, recognizing his exceptional longevity and athleticism.
