105-year-old Thai athlete wins 2 golds at World Masters Games

Taipei, May 18 (CNA) Thailand's Sawang Janpram, the oldest competitor at the 2025 World Masters Games at 105 years old, won two gold medals on Sunday in the men's javelin and 100-meter dash for the 100+ age group.

He recorded a throw of 10.55 meters in javelin and completed the 100-meter dash in 38.55 seconds, competing as the sole entrant in both events.

In a post-race interview, Sawang said he started exercising regularly at age 80, motivated by a close friend who became bedridden and by his daughter, whose health improved significantly through physical activity.

A former schoolteacher and elementary school principal, Sawang said he did not want to end up immobile like his friend.

He began competing internationally at age 97 and says the experience has improved his health and allowed him to connect with people worldwide.

"Next, I hope to compete in more countries and eventually become a world champion," he said, adding that he began preparing for the Masters Games about two months ago. He is also scheduled to compete in discus and shot put.

Taiwan's own 88-year-old sprinter, Lin Pan Hsiu-yun (林潘秀雲), also claimed gold in the women's 100 meters in the age 85+ category with a time of 27.10 seconds.

She said an earlier injury from the triple jump had sidelined her for years, but the World Masters Games reignited her passion for running. Her next goal is to keep running until age 100.

The 2025 multisport event runs through May 30.