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Stanislaw KowalskiPole who ran 100 meters in 32.79 seconds at 104 years old
Country:
 Poland |
Content:
- Biography of Stanislaw Kowalski
- Active Lifestyle
- The Record-Breaking Race
- Continuing to Pursue Records
- The Youthful Appearance
- Legacy
Biography of Stanislaw Kowalski
Stanislaw Kowalski, a Polish centenarian, became a European speed record holder at the age of 104 by running 100 meters in 32.79 seconds. Although Usain Bolt can cover the same distance in less than 10 seconds, who knows what time he will achieve when he crosses the 100-year mark. Stanislaw Kowalski lived in the Polish city of Swidnica and set his record at the Wroclaw Stadium. He told reporters that he did not specifically prepare for this race, only running the 100 meters three times to familiarize himself with the track.
Active Lifestyle
Stanislaw Kowalski had always been active, even at such a venerable age, walking or running up to 10 kilometers almost daily. Interestingly, he had never been interested in running before and mainly cycled, although he occasionally had to run. His passion for running only developed after he turned 90.
The Record-Breaking Race
The record-breaking race took place during the Youth Olympic Games, with Stanislaw competing against boys and girls. The crowd greeted the 104-year-old runner with applause as he set a new record right before their eyes. After his triumphant run, he confessed, "I feel like a new person." Stanislaw revealed that his health remained strong, and his body did not let him down. He occasionally indulged in a drink but preferred to do so infrequently.
Continuing to Pursue Records
Although Stanislaw Kowalski easily surpassed the previous European record and his personal best, he still had to train to break the world record. The current age and speed record for the 100-meter dash belongs to a 96-year-old Japanese man who completed it in 28 seconds. However, the eight-year age gap between these two runners is significant.
The Youthful Appearance
Looking at the videos and photos of Stanislaw Kowalski available online, it is hard to believe that he was 104 years old. Nothing in his appearance indicates his age – he looks like an ordinary elderly person, not excessively old. There was no secret to his youthfulness; he simply led a moderate lifestyle, avoided overeating, refrained from eating late at night, and maintained physical activity. He firmly believed that life is all about movement. He also did not rely heavily on doctors and sought their help only in extreme cases.
Legacy
Stanislaw Kowalski participated in the Polish Veterans Championship on June 28, 2015, in Torun, becoming the oldest athlete in the world. On that day, he ran 100 meters in 34.50 seconds, threw the shot put for 4.27 meters, and threw the discus for 7.50 meters. Stanislaw Kowalski passed away on April 5, 2022, at the age of 111 years and 360 days, just five days before his 112th birthday.
Interestingly, after the death of Jozef Zurek on March 20, 2018, Stanislaw Kowalski became the oldest living man in Poland. On April 14, 2020, he celebrated his 110th birthday. On January 18, 2022, after the death of Saturnino de la Fuente Garcia, he became the oldest living man in Europe.
