Faster Than You At 60

I have an interesting backstory as to why I took up competitive sprinting on the track as my main sporting interest at the age of 56.

At regional and national championships I would share that story with some of my competitors. They would then share their backstory with me. Six straight times the story played back to me was dramatically more interesting than mine. They were all truly remarkable and inspiring. Full of heartache and difficulty, life circumstances that I had never experienced, and outcomes that were thrilling. I said to myself I just have to write these down. So, I did.

Here are the life backstories of twenty two track sprinters – 100, 200 and 400 meter runners and hurdlers – all over the age of 60, all US National or World Champions.

They come from California, the northern Bronx, the projects of Chicago, the farmlands of northern Ohio; from Guyana, to the Soviet Union. The stories give an insight into their challenges and journeys, and also a glance at America, on its journey over the last 50 years.

We celebrate their successes and medals. We add sections on their training regimes and nutrition programs, so that readers can learn their lessons, and adapt to their own circumstances. Recognizing that the mixture of good physical health, life disciplines, travel and camaraderie, and purpose, has proved to be the greatest mental health medication one can take.