Fuaja Singh
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
Fauja Singh, an Indian-born runner, with the nickname the ‘Turbaned Torpedo’ and was believed to be the world’s oldest marathon runner, has died after being hit by a car. He was believed to be 114!
He was the oldest man to run a full marathon in 2011, at the age of 100 in Toronto, and was a torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics.
He started running at the age of 89 to beat depression after his wife and son died in quick succession.
His first marathon was the London Marathon, and he went on to compete in eight more.
His last competitive race was the Hong Kong Marathon 10-kilometre (6.25-mile) race in 2013, which he completed in 1 hour, 32 minutes, 28 seconds.
Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, described him as “extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness.”
Certainly, his was an extraordinary life and, in fact, an example to us all!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
