Picture Credit: Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images
Fauja Singh, the centenarian long-distance runner celebrated as the world’s oldest marathon participant, has passed away aged 114 following a road accident in Beas Pind near Jalandhar, Punjab.
An unidentified vehicle struck the Indian-British Sikh athlete, known for his Punjabi roots, as he crossed a road in his native village.
According to police, a family member reported the accident.
“We have been told that he was hit by a vehicle while trying to cross the road. We have set up a team and are investigating,” stated an officer from Jalandhar rural police, adding that they believe the vehicle involved was a car.
Renowned globally for his endurance and unwavering spirit, Singh inspired millions by completing numerous marathons well beyond his 100th year.
He began running later in life, reportedly completing over 100 long-distance events.
Born on 1 April 1911 in undivided Punjab at Beas Pind, Singh turned to running as a coping mechanism after losing his fifth son in a construction accident in 1994.
Having moved to England in the 1990s, he began participating in competitive events at the age of 89 and soon gained international attention.
Residing in Ilford with his son, Singh set several records in the 90-plus category and became a celebrated figure in the global athletics community.
Singh didn’t limit himself to marathons, frequently competing in long-distance events in the Master’s category.
At age 100, he achieved eight world age group records in a single day during the Ontario Masters Association’s special Fauja Singh Invitational Meet at Birchmount Stadium in Toronto, Canada.
The biography ‘Turbaned Tornado’ chronicled his life story, launched in Britain’s House of Lords on 7 July 2011.
In 2012, he carried the Olympic torch during the London Games and received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2015 New Year Honours for his contributions to sport and charity.
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