[Japanese Side] '100m in 28.85 seconds' The Health Secret of the World's Fastest 96-Year-Old Disease-Free Longevity Grandmother

Kawamoto Shizuko Competes in Hiroshima Masters Athletics Tournament
Completes Three Races in One Day... Inspiringly Gets Up After Falling

The long-standing human dream of living a long life without illness. It is truly not an easy task to satisfy both living long and without pain.

Recently in Japan, a 96-year-old grandmother who set a new record by participating in a 100m sprint competition has become a hot topic. What drew even more attention was that she competed in and completed three races in one day at the age of 96.

Today, we share the story of the world’s fastest grandmother, Kawamoto Shizuko.

Shizuko Kawamoto being interviewed by NHK. She revealed that she was surprised by her own records. (Photo by NHK)

NHK interviewed Kawamoto, who participated in the Hiroshima Masters Athletics Competition last June, and reported on June 18.

According to the report, Kawamoto competed in the age group for those aged 95 to 99, which was prepared for elderly athletes. She finished the women’s 100m race in 28.85 seconds, setting a new world record for her age group. She gained even more attention by beating the previous record by a full second.

Not only that, after completing the 60m and 100m races, Kawamoto also participated in the 200m event. She fell just before the finish line. However, she immediately got up and completed the third race. Despite the fall, she set a new national record in Japan.

Mr. Kawamoto standing at the starting line. (Photo by NHK)

Kawamoto lives on Osakikamijima, an island that takes 30 minutes by ferry from Hiroshima. She says she has never experienced sports in her life while living on this remote island.

However, she was good at exercise since childhood and even after turning 90, she would often tell her daughter, "I am still faster than you at running."

She continued farming until her late 90s, which helped her maintain healthy legs and waist capable of running fast. She still does everything from sowing to harvesting by herself.

When asked by reporters if it was hard, Kawamoto replied, "Not at all. I am actually happy to be able to cultivate using farming tools even at 96."

Mr. Kawamoto stretching. (Photo by NHK)

Additionally, Kawamoto cited her secret to health as stretching every morning without fail for 20 years and stretching whenever she had time. She also never skips strength training.

Her family and island neighbors watching her said, "We gained the courage to challenge anything and work hard. We want to live like Kawamoto-san," expressing their admiration.

Kawamoto plans to continue exercising to enjoy each day happily. She expressed her determination, saying, "Health is not only for myself but also for my family. I hope to stay healthy continuously."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.