Florence Meiler, a 91-year-old athlete from Vermont, US, holds six World Masters Athletics records. What makes her journey remarkable is that she did not take up track and field until she was 60, after a friend encouraged her to try the sport. More than 30 years later, Meiler is still competing in multiple events and adding to her achievements.
Meiler’s journey into competitive athletics began when her friend Barbara Jordan persuaded her to try the long jump at the Vermont Senior Games. Their partnership came to an end after Jordan was diagnosed with cancer. She admitted that training alone can be a struggle, but thinking about Jordan gives her a reason to keep going.
The two women trained and competed together for 20 years, pushing each other to improve and sharing several achievements along the way. She stopped participating in sports and died in 2020 at the age of 85, following a five-year battle with the disease. (Also Read: Hong Kong domestic worker arrested for spitting into 4-year-old girl’s food ) Meiler continues to think about her friend, particularly when training gets difficult. In a 2020 profile for the Olympic Channel , Meiler spoke about the encouragement and competitive spirit they shared.
Speaking to Aging Untold , she said, “I miss her so much. “Training together was fantastic because we would challenge each other and we would criticize each other,” she said.
91-year-old athlete continues to set records
The records are listed by World Masters Athletics , the international organisation that maintains age-group records for masters athletes. Meiler’s record-breaking performances span six events in the 90 to 94 age category. These include the 2,000-metre steeplechase, 80-metre hurdles, pole vault, high jump, triple jump and pentathlon. She began competing at 60 after a friend’s suggestion. At 91, she is still turning up for competitions and setting records in her age group.
Because i’ve had so many athletes come up to me and say, ‘What an inspiration you have been to me, speaking to Aging Untold, she said, “I really feel really warm inside.
Meiler’s performances have also caught the attention of other athletes, some of whom have told her how much she inspires them. That’s a wonderful feeling.” (Also Read: Giant Golden Rangoli made with 6.5 kg of jewellery unveiled at Dubai’s City Centre Deira ) In her Olympic Channel profile, Meiler summed up her approach to life and sport in three simple words: “Never too late”.
