Veteran WC in athletics in Gothenburg • “Will try to fulfill as many dreams as possible”
Right now, the veteran world championships in athletics are taking place in Gothenburg, with several 100-year-olds in attendance. Over 8,000 participants from 111 nations take part in the championship.
– I love to run, says the 90-year-old gold medalist Lynne Hurrell from the USA.
It was 47 years since the last time. Now Gothenburg is once again organizing the Veterans World Championships in athletics. This year there are a record number of starts, 16,000. In addition, a record number of nations, 111
– The whole world is here in Gothenburg. We’re just trying to keep it together and fulfill as many dreams as we can here during these two weeks, says project manager Anders Mattsson.
1300 world champion
Around 1,300 world champions will be crowned. Participants compete in divided age classes, from 35 to 100+ years. One of the new world champions is 90-year-old Lynne Hurrell from the USA:
– It means a lot to me to be able to enjoy running. This was a bonus. It makes it extra festive, says Lynne Hurrell, who won gold in the 800 meters in the women’s age 90 class.
– I love to run. I encourage everyone to go out and run, to engage in some kind of activity. It extends life. Then you can live until you are 90, she continues.
The 100-year-old gold medalist in the shot put
On Thursday, the shot put was also decided, where Sriramulu Vallabhajosyula, 100 years old, from India won the gold in the 100-year-old class. Admittedly, he was the only competitor in his class, but still a world champion. The victory shot landed at 2.63 meters.
– I will also compete in javelin and discus, says a smiling Sriramulu Vallabhajosyula.