Grace Foster sets W90 world record in 60; video goes viral
Grace Foster, who recently took up track at 91, demolished the listed W90 world indoor record for 60 meters, clocking 26.95 Saturday at the New Jersey USATF masters indoor championships in Toms River, N.J. The listed record is 31.82 by fellow American Ida Keeling at Clermont-Ferrand worlds in 2008. She ran in a skirt, with her son, M45 pentathlon record holder Greg Foster, cheering her on at the finish line. Video of her race is posted all over the Web, mainly on NBC affiliate sites. “When she came across the line and gave me a hug, I was happy,” said Greg. “And then the record on top of that was just a bonus.” Grace said she hoped she could be an inspiration to others, saying: “I’ve seen a lot of people much younger than I am act much older, so maybe I’ll be a help to some people. Keep moving.”
Grace isn’t quite the fastest W90 over that distance, however.
The listed W90 outdoor world record for 100 meters is 23.18 by Sweden’s Nora Wedemo in 2003. Nora passed the 60-meter mark in about 13.9. (And obviously a 23.18 over 100 beats a 26.95 over 60.)
But a record is a record, and we congratulate “Amazing” Grace on going for it!
8 Responses
After spending my collegiate career chasing his LJ record at Stockton State, I had the pleasure of finally meeting Greg in 2002 when I lined up against him in a 100 meter heat at the USATF-NJ Open Championships. After the (then) 40something Greg took me to school in 11.2 I wondered, “Where does he get it from”? I guess I can say that the mystery has been solved. She is as much an inspiration to my endeavors in Masters athletics as her son was in my youth!
Grace captured my heart when I saw her race/interview. I certainly hope that her record gets ratified.
I’ve known Greg for a long time; and have found him to be a first class guy. Nice to know where he received his skills. Congrats and best wishes
to both; in their athletic pursuits.
The coverage that this video received is so positive for raising awareness of what our most senior masters track athletes can do. Welcome, Grace, to masters athletics. I hope you’ll also do some running outdoors in the coming season, and the years to come.
However, I do note Ken’s reference to Swedish Nora’s 100m in 23.18 outdoors. I’ll bet that our (Canada’s) Olga Kotelko will be going after that mark when she turns 90 this spring. She did run 21.83 outdoors when she was in 85+; and 13.70 for 60 meters indoors when she was 86 back in 2005.
greg has been a teamate of mine on the shore ac for many years.(and just recently a fellow inductee into it’s hall of fame) his feats on the track and in the field are second to none. the brightness of the gold medals he’s won are shadowed by the glow of his spirit. greg is always an honorable competitor and a gentleman. most importantly, he treats his mother with the respect and honor reserved for a queen. that is what i admire him for. as a witness to his mom’s tremendous feat, i can only smile with a warm heart, and shake my head,in amazement.i turn 55 on st patricks day, and in a “new group ” and to my friends,as a still competing “old guy ” i wow them. but to me, masters track is precisely what grace foster embodies. last saturday everyone at that meet had a huge smile on their faces. and science has proven happiness is the true fountain of youth. congratulations…albert
You can read her book online at LovelyPublishing.com. It’s short, friendly, and to the point. She wrote it with her daughter Anita. It’s entitled 3 Simple Secrets to Longevity. It’s about a lifestyle that we should all aspire to emulate.
Go Granny Go!
I would like to talk to you on this theme.
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