Thank you, Greatist, for posting the amazing video of 97-year-old Ida running—and breaking the record for—the 100-meter dash. So. Inspiring.
In the segment below from the OWN network’s documentary series Our America, Lisa Ling follows Ida and her runner/trainer daughter, Shelley, on the day Ida is set to run the 100-meter dash. Despite feeling a bit out of sync–Ida says her blood pressure was strangely high that day—she strapped on her shoes, anyway, and headed for the track. Her heat included a lineup of runners who were less than half her age.
Spoiler: Ida didn’t win—but she did beat her age group’s record by eight seconds, clocking in at 51 seconds. Watch the clip below to see her cross the finish line. I dare you to not get goosebumps.
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Great job Ida. Very inspirational. I am curious, however, which record Ida beat. The World record for over 95 women is set at 35.48 and the American Record has yet to show a woman in that age group for the 100 meter. So, I believe the Wikipedia entry for American Masters Track records needs to be amended to include Ida’s terrific performance.