101-Year-Old Australian Sets Croquet World Record

May Beveridge proves it's never too late to make history.

The 101-year-old from Lake Tyers, Australia, recently submitted her attempt to become the world's oldest competitive female croquet player. She's beating the current record holder, 98-year-old Jean Farguson from the UK, by three years.

Here's the best part: Beveridge only started playing croquet in her 80s. She took up the sport as a way to stay fit and connect with her community in Lakes Entrance, a coastal town 321 kilometers east of Melbourne.

"It's just a wonderful exercise, not only for your body but for your brain," she said. "People think you just have to hit a ball through a hoop. It's nothing like that. You have to think ahead."

Beveridge has been married 68 years before her husband Allen passed in 2015. Today she still lives independently on their farm and plays croquet three times a week at the club she helped found.

"She comes three times a week. She'll normally play three games and will be disappointed if she only plays two," said club president Neil Robbins. "She's been a stalwart of the club, a foundation member and we just love her."

On May 28, Beveridge played an official doubles match in front of friends and family. Paired with her 90-year-old partner Fay Kleehammer, she competed in a recorded game that's now under review by world record officials.

"I'm afraid I do get a bit competitive, but I don't care whether I win or lose, but I do try my hardest," she said. When one of her shots veered off course, she muttered to herself: "Terrible shot."

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine isn't just Beveridge's age. It's her philosophy on living well.

"You've just got to keep going," she said. "It's no good sitting at home in your slippers and dressing gown. You've got to get up and get out."

She initially thought the record attempt was a joke when her club suggested it. But she agreed for two reasons: to support her family and club, and to bring publicity to what she calls "the best club in Australia."

Robbins says Beveridge proves croquet welcomes players of all ages. "It's just a great game where people can keep on playing when they get older," he said. "All over the world, anywhere in Australia, you can just walk into a croquet club, and they will welcome you with open arms."

May hopes she's made her family and club proud.