Tributes Pouring In After Legendary Athlete Dies At 114
Tragedy has struck the sports world today as Fauja Singh, the oldest living ex-athlete, lost lost his life at the age of 114.
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According to BBC News, Singh was killed after a hit-and-run in his home country of India while crossing a road. The vehicle that hit Singh has not been identified. He was taken to the hospital after being struck, but passed away.
Once a farmer living in India, Singh became a global sensation in the 2000s and 2010s when he began running marathons well into his late-80s and 90s. Between 2000 and 2013, he ran nine full marathons, with his final coming when he had past his century mark of life.
Sadly, Singh's record is not recognized by the prestigious Guinness World Records. While Singh did have a passport listing April 1, 1911 as his date of birth, he did not have a birth certificate, and Guinness stated that their policy to only accept documentation from the year of birth.
But his incredible feat of running marathons past the age of 100 earned him a major endorsement deal in 2004 from Adidas, along with global acclaim.
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Tributes to Singh have been pouring in from across the world this morning, with one of the biggest coming from India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi:
"Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness. He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world," Modi wrote on X.
"Fauja Singh didn't just run marathons. He redefined what ageing could be. Started at 89. Signed by Adidas at 93. Ran marathons around the world beyond 100. He truly proved that impossible is nothing.. A proud Sikh who ran with spirit and grace," another user wrote.
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"My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 PM today in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja," wrote a third.
"RIP Fauja Singh Ji who passed away at 114. He took up running after losing his wife & son, turning grief into purpose. He dedicated his life to his Sikh faith (seva) raising over £100,000 for charity. At 100 he was the world's oldest marathon runner. A beacon of inspiration."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: In this aerial view, runners compete as they cross over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge during the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on November 03, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Craig)CraigDistrict police officer Harvinder Singh has pledged to find the marathon runner's killer.
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"A search is under way, and the accused will be caught soon," the officer said in a statement.
Our hearts go out to Singh's family and loved ones.
Related: 'World's Oldest Athlete' Dead In Accident At 114
Tributes Pouring In After Legendary Athlete Dies At 114 first appeared on The Spun on Jul 15, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
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