| 103-year-old Japanese sprinter Country: Japan |
Hidekichi Miyazaki was born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, in 1910. Japan was annexing Korea at the time. He lived a long and healthy life, even after turning 100 years old. He attributed his longevity to a healthy diet and lifestyle, including eating mandarin orange jam daily and chewing each bite of food 30 times before swallowing.
Miyazaki began running track in his early 90s. He quickly became a talented sprinter, setting a world record in the 100-meter dash for his age group at the age of 104. He jokingly referred to his nickname "Golden Bolt", a nod to Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt's lightning speed.
In 2014, Miyazaki set a world record for the 100-meter dash in his age group, running it in just 29.83 seconds. He continued to train and improve his time, believing that he could still run faster.
Miyazaki maintained a simple but effective health regimen. He ate a balanced diet, chewed his food thoroughly, and drank green tea for its health benefits. He also believed that staying active was crucial for a long and healthy life.
Hidekichi Miyazaki passed away on January 23, 2019, at the age of 108, after suffering a brain hemorrhage. He is remembered as a symbol of determination and the potential for a fulfilling life in old age.