The Secret Behind a 92-Year-Old Grandmother's Remarkable Athleticism: How She Runs 200 Meters in 50 Seconds

Slow-Twitch Fibers for Endurance Comparable to Those in Their 20s
"Possesses Athletic Abilities Beyond Typical Nonagenarians"

The Washington Post reported on August 24 (local time) that scientists around the world have begun researching the health secrets of a 90-something Italian grandmother who holds the world record in short-distance athletics for seniors.

Emma Maria Maczenga, a 92-year-old resident of Padua, Italy, is an athlete who holds four world records in short-distance races for women in her age group.

According to the report, in May of last year, she set a new world record in the outdoor 200-meter race for women aged 90 and above with a time of 51.47 seconds. The following month, she broke her own record by one second, finishing in 50.33 seconds.

Emma Maria Maczenga, the world record holder in short-distance athletics for those aged 90 and above. Photo from Facebook capture

Standing at 155 cm tall, she reportedly has almost no competitors even at international competitions. In an interview with the Washington Post last July, Maczenga said, "In Italy, I am the only one (competing)," and added, "When I went to the world championships, there was one athlete from the United States." For this reason, she is essentially breaking world records on her own.

An international research team composed of scientists from Italy and the United States is currently studying the secrets behind Maczenga's ability to continue running in her 90s. Recently, the team has been analyzing her muscles, nerves, and mitochondria (the energy-producing organelles inside cells).

In particular, when scientists took a sample of Maczenga's muscle tissue for analysis, they found that her fast-twitch fibers, which are related to explosive strength, were similar to those of a healthy 70-year-old. While this was impressive for her actual age, it was not considered extraordinary. However, when it came to slow-twitch fibers, which are associated with endurance, her levels were found to be similar to those of people in their twenties.

Marta Colosio, the lead author of this case study and a professor at Marquette University, commented, "Maczenga is aging, but she possesses athletic abilities that other 91-year-olds cannot match."

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Maczenga participated in athletics in her youth but then stopped. She later worked as a science teacher, and after 25 years, decided to return to athletics. She was 53 years old when she made her comeback. Maczenga continues to run regularly two to three times a week, and on her days off, she usually goes for walks. She told the media, "I run for about an hour each training session," and added, "There is never a day when I spend all my time indoors."

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