[Japanese Side] The World's Oldest Cross-Country Skier, the 'Iron Grandma's' First Challenge of the New Year

When it comes to winter sports, skiing is indispensable. I also make sure to visit ski resorts every winter, but after skiing once, my whole body aches so much that I can hardly move the next day.

In Japan, the story of an 88-year-old grandmother, the world's oldest cross-country skier, has been a hot topic since the beginning of the new year. Skiing down once is already so exhausting, so it’s truly impressive that she can repeatedly go up and down in cross-country skiing at her age. Today, we share the story of the 'Iron Grandma,' Saeki Katsumi.

Kasumi Saeki skiing. (Photo by TBS)

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Ms. Saeki was born in March 1935 in Toyama Prefecture. Toyama Prefecture is known as the 'Japanese Alps,' famous for heavy snowfall and terrain filled with mountains and gorges. It is also known as a tourist destination in Korea as the 'Toyama Alpen Route.' Perhaps it was natural for her to come into contact with skiing.

Ms. Saeki started skiing while attending Toyama University and enjoyed skiing on snowy mountains throughout her 38 years as a teacher. After retiring at the age of 60 as a principal, she began cross-country skiing on flatlands and hills. She expressed her passion for sports, saying, "When I ski through the snow with my friends, I really feel alive."

Ms. Saeki’s love for exercise is truly exceptional. At 70, she even crossed the Tatar Strait by cross-country skiing, and in April last year, she participated in the All Japan Masters Ski Championships, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest competitor.

After finishing, Katsumi Saeki smiles saying, "I succeeded because I didn't fall or drop." (Photo by TBS)

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To improve her skiing records, she boldly seeks advice from nutritionists and former Olympic skiers. Above all, consistently enjoying exercise is the secret to her health and athletic career. During summers without snow, she trains at the gym and regularly hikes, which she credits for her stamina.

She also said, "You must move your body every day and do something. At this age, it’s hard to prepare your own meals, but you still have to make sure to eat properly. I focus on a diet centered on protein and vegetables."

Ms. Saeki recently completed her first competition of the year. On the 13th, she participated in the cross-country section of the Toyama Prefectural Sports Festival. Toyama Prefecture was also affected by the recent Noto Peninsula earthquake, but she said in an interview, "Some walls at home collapsed, but there was no major damage. I’m just grateful that I can safely ski and do what I love."

Mr. Saeki participating in the Toyama Prefecture Sports Festival. (Photo by TBS)

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She competed in the 3km course again as the oldest athlete. Despite the blizzard and being constantly overtaken by younger competitors, which made it difficult to stay focused, she completed the race gracefully and smiled, saying, "Just finishing safely without falling is a success." She is well known for inspiring hope and determination in the young athletes around her.

Ms. Saeki truly seems unaffected by age. Following this competition, she will participate in the All Japan Masters again in March, aiming for her eighth consecutive victory in the senior division.

In a lecture to Toyama Prefecture residents, she said, "My lifestyle is to enjoy what I can do now for a tomorrow like today," once again inspiring many. It seems to be a time for us to reflect on what we can truly immerse ourselves in and enjoy in this era of longevity.

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