101-Year-Old Sets Croquet Record After Starting at 79

Neville Sandiford proves it's never too late to find your passion and make history doing it.

The 101-year-old from New Zealand earned a Guinness World Record as the oldest competitive croquet player after competing in an 80+ Golf Croquet tournament in Paraparaumu, Wellington, last August. He was 101 years and 262 days old when he played.

Sandiford's croquet journey started at 79 when his wife Joan spotted a newspaper ad for free lessons at the Wellington club. The couple decided to give it a try.

"As soon as I took hold of a mallet and hit one ball I knew that was for me," Sandiford told Guinness World Records. He started winning club competitions in his very first year.

The father of three, grandfather of eight, and great-grandfather of seven joined the Paraparaumu Croquet Club and began competing in both Association Croquet and Golf Croquet tournaments. His competitive drive kept him pushing to improve year after year.

Sandiford remembers the steep learning curve as a beginner. He had to master how to hold the mallet, strike the ball correctly, and memorize all the rules for both croquet codes. Even in his late 70s, he approached the sport with the determination of someone half his age.

Why This Inspires

Sandiford's record celebrates more than athletic longevity. It showcases how community support can transform a hobby into a lifelong achievement.

"It was due to the endless support and encouragement of the club members that kept me going," he said. "Without that I wouldn't have got so much enjoyment from the sport, and I definitely wouldn't be celebrating this achievement."

His story reminds us that age is just a number when you're doing something you love. More than two decades after picking up his first mallet, Sandiford continues competing alongside players who share his passion for the game.

The record holder shows that finding the right activity at the right time, with the right people cheering you on, can lead to extraordinary accomplishments at any age.