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100-Year-Old Smashes Dash Record, But It's Unofficial
30 Apr
Summary
- Lester Wright ran 100 meters in 26.34 seconds at age 100.
- His world record attempt was disqualified due to a computer glitch.
- Wright was a WWII veteran and ran a dental lab for 40 years.
Lester Wright, a remarkable centenarian and World War II veteran, achieved what was believed to be a world record in the 100-meter dash at the 2022 Penn Relays. He ran the distance in 26.34 seconds, four-tenths of a second faster than the current record holder for his age category. Despite the impressive feat witnessed by a large crowd, his time was never officially certified by U.S.A. Track & Field.
Reasons for the non-ratification remain unclear, but track officials suggested a computer glitch may have lost the necessary data. The application process for record ratification is complex, often posing challenges for senior athletes. Wright, who passed away on April 20 at the age of 103 in Long Branch, N.J., was unaware that his record-setting run was not officially recognized.
Before his running achievements, Wright served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later co-owned the first Black-owned dental lab in Monmouth County, N.J., for nearly 40 years. He resumed running after retirement, competing in events like the New Jersey Senior Olympics. His performance highlights the growing number of seniors embracing athletics, demonstrating the benefits of exercise and an active lifestyle.
