Latest news with #WorldMastersGames
Daily Express
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Express
Historic outing for Sabah athletes
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: GL Oh Text Size: (From left) Alison, Shamry and Bernice. Kota Kinabalu: Seven Sabah Masters Athletics Association (Samas) athletes representing the country had a historic outing at the World Masters Games held in Chinese Taipei recently. They returned with a record eight gold, five silver and three bronze medals. Lucy Yong competing in the women's 65 category won three gold medals in the 100m, long jump and triple jump events, while Dr Alison Chew in the women's 40 category delivered two golds in the 100m and 400m hurdles as well as two bronzes in the 200m and 400m. The other gold medallists were Juliana Gumpil (women's 60) in pole vault, Bernice Lau Kam Mun (women's 50) in long jump and Datuk Abdul Mulok (men's 70) in pole vault. Juliana also won three silvers in the 80m hurdles, long jump and triple jump with the other silvers came from Shamry Mohd Ali (men's 55) in 100m hurdles and Charlie Lee (men's 65) in high jump, who also delivered one bronze in 100m. Advertisement Team leader Shamry, who is also Samas treasurer, was delighted with the number of medals won by the team. 'This is the most successful outing ever for both Malaysia Masters and Sabah Masters Athletics at a World Masters Games event. 'Our success has been greatly supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Sabah Sports Council. 'Credit also to our Masters athletes for their dedication and commitments to undergo rigorous training under the guidance of equally dedicated coaches and officials,' he said. He also said they were able to send a bigger squad this time due to cheaper airfare to Taipei. 'Another contributing factor to our success in winning so many medals this time is the affordability of travelling to Taipei, which is the closest World Masters Games (WMG) venue to Malaysia.' He hoped with the continued success story of Samas, more in the State will be encouraged to join them for training and competing in the future. 'Masters athletics is about providing competitive opportunities for adults aged 35 and above, allowing them to continue participating in and enjoying the sport well beyond the traditional athletic years —with a strong emphasis on lifelong fitness, health, and camaraderie,' he said. Meanwhile, Samas was represented by nine members and the other two were Joseph Latong and James Wong Thien Yin. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Economic Times
At 105, man wins gold in the 100m sprint. He started exercising at 90, but what inspires him?
Agencies Thailand's Sawang Janpram, 105, clinched gold in the 100m sprint at the World Masters Games with a time of 38.55 seconds. In a race that lasted just under 39 seconds, 105-year-old Sawang Janpram did much more than claim gold at the World Masters Games in Taipei. He captured hearts, redefined athleticism, and gave a whole new meaning to the phrase "age is just a number." Clocking in at 38.55 seconds in the 100-meter sprint, the Thai sprinter didn't face stiff competition — he had none. As the sole competitor in the 100+ age category, victory was virtually guaranteed. But the applause he earned wasn't for outrunning anyone else. It was for something far more inspiring: running at all. With aviator sunglasses perched coolly on his nose and knee braces supporting his stride, Sawang took off on the track like a man on a mission — not to win, but to show up. That's what makes his story resonate far beyond the stopwatch. Once a school principal and a durian farmer, Sawang began his fitness journey not in his youth or even middle age, but at 90. Motivated by a fear of immobility and inspired by his daughter, Siripan — a decorated Masters athlete herself — he chose movement over stillness, vitality over resignation. Now, fifteen years into this late-blooming athletic career, he's collected more than 60 medals on the masters circuit and inspired countless spectators. His latest haul in Taipei includes golds in javelin, shot put, discus, and that iconic 100-meter sprint. At the podium, it wasn't just the gold medals that glittered. Sawang's bond with his 73-year-old daughter lit up the stage. Siripan herself bagged two golds and a silver in her throwing events — but all eyes were on the duo as they stood side by side, two generations of athletes proving that passion, not age, defines capability. "I'm proud he's brought honour to our family," she said while talking to AFP, beaming with admiration for her father. In return, Sawang, who raised five children, credits her for getting him off the couch and onto the track. The two now train together on the beaches of Rayong, Thailand, several times a week. Some days it's sprints. Other days it's javelin practice. Occasionally, it's just a stroll to the market. But it's always movement — always purpose. Asked about his philosophy, Sawang doesn't deliver a long-winded lecture on fitness science. He keeps it simple: 'Exercise makes life better.' And it's hard to argue with the results. From farming durians and rubber trees in rural Thailand to training for international competitions, Sawang's life has been a testament to hard work. Yet, in these twilight years, it's not toil but joy that propels him forward. 'There are friends, there is laughter, and we do not feel lonely,' he says. 'Our lives feel livelier.' In a world obsessed with youth, Sawang Janpram offers a counter-narrative — one of endurance, evolution, and embracing each year with gusto. He may not have sprinted past competitors on that track in Taipei, but he's leapt over the hurdles of aging with unmatched grace. Whether he'll compete at the next World Masters Games in Japan in 2027 is uncertain. 'It depends on my health,' he shrugs. But given his record so far, don't be surprised if he shows up — aviators on, medal-ready.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Start exercising!': secrets of Thailand's 105-year-old athletics champion
For the 105-year-old Thai athlete Sawang Janpram, the day normally starts at 5.30am. He has a breakfast of two boiled eggs, some protein, vegetables and fruit, and by 6am or 7am he's out at the beach or local stadium near his home in Rayong province, training with his 73-year-old daughter Siripan. He will walk between 1km and 2km before doing a quick 100m run, once or twice. Then, he practises one of his other sports: javelin, discus or shot put. Advertisement Sawang's training regime has proven effective – just last week, he won four golds at the World Masters Games in Taiwan. He was, media reports remarked, in a league of his own at the event – as the oldest competitor at the games and the only person in his age group, he was almost certain to win the men's 100-plus discus, javelin, shot put and 100m, which he completed in 38.55 seconds. What's the secret to his longevity and success? 'Regular exercise, healthy food, staying in a good mood, always being calm, breathing clean air and keeping up good hygiene,' he says. 'If I'm sick, I go to see the doctor.' Sawang has always loved sports, watching it on TV or at local competitions. 'I like to watch boxing, and my favourite is Pone Kingpetch,' he says, referring to Thailand's first world boxing champion, who retired in the 1960s. It was not until Sawang turned 97 that he began competing. He was inspired by Siripan, an athlete with the Thai Veteran Athletics Association, who would bring her father along to watch her compete at events. 'He started to like the atmosphere because he could make new friends and see new people. He saw that even though the people involved were 60-, 70- or 75-year-old athletes, they were still able to participate,' says Siripan. Advertisement At first, Sawang's family worried that the travel required for competitions may be too tiring. But 21 games and 78 medals later, it has all gone well, Siripan says. There are days when he feels a bit lethargic, says Sawang with a laugh, but the sight of his daughter heading out normally spurs him on. 'If I notice that he looks a bit tired, we just do walking, no jogging, or any other form of practice,' says Siripan. Going outside, and being active, has benefits beyond physical fitness. 'I can see that he looks refreshed when he sees other people. It's only two of us in the house, and it's better to keep going out,' she adds. Sawang likes to eat vegetables and nam prik pao – a spicy dipping sauce made with chillies, shallots, garlic, dried shrimp and fish sauce – as well as gaeng liang, a vegetable soup, and gaeng som, a spicy and sour fish curry with rice. He rarely eats pork, and mostly sticks to vegetables and fish. Siripan explains that they eat healthily and that the air quality is good near to the beach where they exercise. Her father also keeps up a positive attitude, he adds. 'If he gets sick or needs to take medicine, he's never stubborn about it.' She believes the main barrier preventing older people in Thailand from exercising is a lack of support. 'They don't want to do it alone, and especially for elderly people, they need help and assistance,' she says. Thailand is considered an ageing society, with 20% of the population more than 60 years old. Advertisement 'Elderly people especially can get quite lonely at home – their children or relatives are out at work, so they stay home all day alone,' she says. Exercise can 'make them feel lively again'. She hopes her father's success will inspire others. 'When I look at the comments on social media, I see a lot of positive responses. People are saying 'Grandpa is so great' and that they wanted to be fit as Grandpa,' she says. 'I am very happy, and I'm very proud of my dad – that he stays strong and he has the discipline to keep fit. I know that he doesn't want to be a burden to our family,' says Siripan, who also won two gold medals and a silver in Taiwan. Both Sawang and Siripan plan to take a few days off after their success, but will get stuck into training again next week. They are already gearing up to qualify for the 23rd Asia Masters Athletics Championships, which will be held in India in November. 'I want everyone to start exercising so they will be strong and not getting sick,' says Sawang. His advice to others who want to get fit? 'If you go out to exercise with friends, you will get a chance to know them more – and it's fun.'
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
‘Start exercising!': secrets of Thailand's 105-year-old athletics champion
For the 105-year-old Thai athlete Sawang Janpram, the day normally starts at 5.30am. He has a breakfast of two boiled eggs, some protein, vegetables and fruit, and by 6am or 7am he's out at the beach or local stadium near his home in Rayong province, training with his 73-year-old daughter Siripan. He will walk between 1km and 2km before doing a quick 100m run, once or twice. Then, he practises one of his other sports: javelin, discus or shot put. Sawang's training regime has proven effective – just last week, he won four golds at the World Masters Games in Taiwan. He was, media reports remarked, in a league of his own at the event – as the oldest competitor at the games and the only person in his age group, he was almost certain to win the men's 100-plus discus, javelin, shot put and 100m, which he completed in 38.55 seconds. What's the secret to his longevity and success? 'Regular exercise, healthy food, staying in a good mood, always being calm, breathing clean air and keeping up good hygiene,' he says. 'If I'm sick, I go to see the doctor.' Sawang has always loved sports, watching it on TV or at local competitions. 'I like to watch boxing, and my favourite is Pone Kingpetch,' he says, referring to Thailand's first world boxing champion, who retired in the 1960s. It was not until Sawang turned 97 that he began competing. He was inspired by Siripan, an athlete with the Thai Veteran Athletics Association, who would bring her father along to watch her compete at events. 'He started to like the atmosphere because he could make new friends and see new people. He saw that even though the people involved were 60-, 70- or 75-year-old athletes, they were still able to participate,' says Siripan. At first, Sawang's family worried that the travel required for competitions may be too tiring. But 21 games and 78 medals later, it has all gone well, Siripan says. There are days when he feels a bit lethargic, says Sawang with a laugh, but the sight of his daughter heading out normally spurs him on. 'If I notice that he looks a bit tired, we just do walking, no jogging, or any other form of practice,' says Siripan. Going outside, and being active, has benefits beyond physical fitness. 'I can see that he looks refreshed when he sees other people. It's only two of us in the house, and it's better to keep going out,' she adds. Sawang likes to eat vegetables and nam prik pao – a spicy dipping sauce made with chillies, shallots, garlic, dried shrimp and fish sauce – as well as gaeng liang, a vegetable soup, and gaeng som, a spicy and sour fish curry with rice. He rarely eats pork, and mostly sticks to vegetables and fish. Siripan explains that they eat healthily and that the air quality is good near to the beach where they exercise. Her father also keeps up a positive attitude, he adds. 'If he gets sick or needs to take medicine, he's never stubborn about it.' She believes the main barrier preventing older people in Thailand from exercising is a lack of support. 'They don't want to do it alone, and especially for elderly people, they need help and assistance,' she says. Thailand is considered an ageing society, with 20% of the population more than 60 years old. 'Elderly people especially can get quite lonely at home – their children or relatives are out at work, so they stay home all day alone,' she says. Exercise can 'make them feel lively again'. She hopes her father's success will inspire others. 'When I look at the comments on social media, I see a lot of positive responses. People are saying 'Grandpa is so great' and that they wanted to be fit as Grandpa,' she says. 'I am very happy, and I'm very proud of my dad – that he stays strong and he has the discipline to keep fit. I know that he doesn't want to be a burden to our family,' says Siripan, who also won two gold medals and a silver in Taiwan. Both Sawang and Siripan plan to take a few days off after their success, but will get stuck into training again next week. They are already gearing up to qualify for the 23rd Asia Masters Athletics Championships, which will be held in India in November. 'I want everyone to start exercising so they will be strong and not getting sick,' says Sawang. His advice to others who want to get fit? 'If you go out to exercise with friends, you will get a chance to know them more – and it's fun.'
eNCA
2 days ago
- Sport
- eNCA
Thai athlete (105) unrivalled but not lonely at World Masters Games
TAIPEI - Sawang Janpram is in a league of his own at the World Masters Games in Taiwan -- at 105 he is the oldest competitor and the only person in his age group. It meant that Thailand's Sawang was all but certain to win gold in the men's 100-plus discus, javelin, shot put and 100 metres. All he had to do was finish, and the former school principal reached the 100m line in his solo race in a very respectable 38.55 seconds. "I'm proud he's brought honour to our family," his 73-year-old daughter Siripan, a fellow evergreen athlete, told AFP. They are among 25,950 athletes from 107 countries at the two-week World Masters Games in Taipei. Held every four years, the event brings together competitors aged 30 and over from all walks of life for the sheer joy of taking part. Sawang, a father of five, began exercising at the age of 90, inspired by Siripan and a desire to avoid becoming bedridden like his friends. Three to four times a week, Sawang joins his daughter to trot on a beach near their home in Rayong in eastern Thailand. "I sometimes like to walk, sometimes run," said Sawang, peering at AFP through aviator sunglasses as he explained his training regimen. "Sometimes I do javelin throw, depending on what I have to do for competitions." Other times, Sawang said he just goes to the local market. It's proved to be a winning strategy, with the wiry centenarian winning more than 60 medals on the masters circuit. Sawang added four more golds to his collection this week. Siripan, who also won two gold medals and a silver in her throwing events, joined her father on the podium after he received his fourth gold. "I'm so proud of my father that he can still do this and that he is strong," Siripan said.
