Golden Oldie Ruth Frith Breaks Sports Record at World Masters Games
OK. Maybe the doctors are right about how good exercise is for you.
Ruth Frith was the oldest female athlete participating in the World Masters Games in Sydney earlier this month. Not only did she win the gold medal in the shot put competition, but she also set a new world record with her 13 feet, 4.2 inches throw (4.07 meters).
Did I mention Ruth is 100 years old?!
The great-grandmother of 11 is also a hammer and javelin thrower and believes other seniors should follow her example.
Frith trains five days a week, regularly lifting 35 kg (77 lb.) weights. She doesn’t drink or smoke and she doesn’t eat vegetables either, claiming she hasn’t liked them since she was young.
Frith was one star of the World Masters Games — an event which attracts about 28,000 athletes — and despite her age, said she has no plans to retire just yet. She competed in her first World Masters Athletics Championships at the age of 74.
The oldest male competitor was Reg Trewin, age 101, who competed in lawn bowling. And Ralph Howard, the gold medal winner in rowing, is 91 and has been rowing for 75 years!
The World Masters Games have been held every four years since they began in Toronto in 1985. Open to people of all abilities and most ages, the games are the world’s largest multi-sport event, attracting twice as many competitors than the Olympic Games, according to the website (www.2009WorldMasters.com).
The main difference between the World Masters Games and the Olympic Games is that World Masters are open to people of all abilities rather than just elite athletes, with the emphasis on participation. I love the Games motto: “Fit, Fun and Forever Young.”
My hat’s off to Ruth Frith, a Gold medal winning Golden Oldie!
Does this inspire you to exercise more . . . or to at least begin an exercise program? To take up a new sport?
Do you think it would inspire the Golden Oldies in your life to exercise or be more physically active in some way if you share this story with them? Please comment below.
Click 
What a great story for all people! I’m getting ready to read a book about women and athletics called The Frailty Myth. It sounds like they need a book like this for seniors.
Hi Lori,
Let us know how that book is — sounds interesting! I <3 reading. Good idea about a book on physical fitness for seniors, too! I'm off to research that. Thanks.
Linda, I hope that you will write about me too when I hit 100 and feature in some newspaper for still doing naughty things!
Hi Rummuser,
I hope I get to do just that!! LOL
[...] Click here for full story: [...]