91-year-old woman tries 800m race, shatters world record
91-year-old Betty Lindberg came out for an 800m race and wound up setting a world record.
A woman from Atlanta is proving that age is just a number. On May 26, 91-year-old Betty Lindberg showed up to the Atlanta Track Club All Comers meet and set an age group world record in the 800m. She is one of many elderly folk who are still going strong with running despite old age.
Lindberg was giving the distance a shot after having run a 200m race earlier in the season and had no idea she’d be anywhere close to the record. She finished the 800m in 6:57.56. According to a blog post on the track club’s site, Lindberg crossed the line, heard of the record and responded with “Hot diggity!”
RELATED: 81-year-old runs at beer mile championships
The previous record in the women’s 90-94 age group was set by Mexico’s Rosario Iglesias when she ran a 6:59:18. That stood for 15 years until now. The indoor record for the distance stands at 7:14.89.
“I’m just so amazed, I can’t believe it, I was just thinking I’d be lucky if they didn’t turn off the lights while I was finishing!” Lindberg said to the Atlanta Track Club.
She’s also the second Betty to recently earn herself a name in the world of senior running– Betty Jean McHugh is in her late eighties and has been setting age groups records in longer distances. She is the holder of the women’s marathon record in her age group.
Lindberg is definitely not new to running. She is a familiar face to those who frequent the track club’s meets and practices. And she’s not stopping with the 800m. Next month, on July 4, she is going to be running the Peachtree Road race. It will be number 26 for her.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
