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It’s not every day you see a 98-year-old competing in track and field.
So it was something special for spectators at the IMGA Pan American Games in Cleveland, Ohio when Warkworth local Allan Martin took his place on the starting line.
Despite being the oldest athlete at the event and many attendees wanting a selfie, an autograph or simply to shake his hand, he didn’t see what the all the fuss was about.
After all, Martin wasn’t there for novelty value, he wanted to compete. Indeed, he ended up taking home a gold medal in each of the five events he entered – the 100m, 200m, 400m, javelin and discus.
It wasn’t Martin’s fault the other athletes in his age group were no-shows.
“There were others registered, but they didn’t turn up. I competed in the 85 to 90 category instead. I finished last in all of them of course but I still got the golds. If I was good enough I would’ve won,” he says.
Martin says it was “hellishly hot in Ohio” and because his training was done in much cooler temperatures it made it that much harder on the day.
“There was no break between the 400m and the discus. My hands were shaking and I could hardly throw it, but I did it.
“I completed each event, which was very satisfying. That’s why you do it, the challenge of each event. What else is there to do at my age? It’s about the next challenge, and to keep fit.”
Martin says the trip wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for his son, who acted as his manager and drove him down to Ohio from Milwaukee.
Back in New Zealand it’s Martin’s wife Joy who fills the manager role, shuttling him back and forth to the Warkworth Showgrounds where he trains.
And it seems Martin won’t be putting his feet up anytime soon. Next on his list are the New Zealand Masters Games, which takes place next February in Whanganui, and then the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei.
Any events lined up for when he turns 100?
“That may be tempting fate,” Martin says.
