India's 100-Year-Old Runner, Man Kaur, Bags Gold Medal At American Masters Games

It was indeed a proud moment for India when 100-year-old Man Kaur won a gold medal on Monday at the American Masters Games in Vancouver

The centenarian needed almost a minute-and-a-half to cross the finish line in the 100-meter dash, but she still picked up a gold medal.

That's because 100-year Man Kaur was the only female competitor in her age category at the competition for older athletes.

When she crossed the finish line in Vancouver, her competitors — many of them in their 70s and 80s — were there to cheer her on.

100-year-old Man Kaur, who finished the sprint in one minute and twenty-one seconds, raised her hands and smiled as she finished her race.

The unique international event, which is organised for athletes over the age of 30, saw several participants.

And when 100-year-old Man Kaur joined in, athletes felt inspired by her energy and drive to compete

100-year-old Man Kaur's son Gurudev Singh(78) who was also competing in the event, was quoted telling Associated Press that whenever she wins, she returns to India and tells everybody about the medals she won in different countries. "Winning makes her happy," said he.

He added that his mother started running at the age of 93 after he encouraged her to do so. And ever since, she has been motivating older women to take up running.

100-year-old Man Kaur has now won more than 20 medals in Masters Games across the globe. While practicing in her home of Chandigarh, she goes out every evening to run five or 10 short distances, said Gurudev Singh.

The World Masters Games take place every four years, with regional games in between.