Navy Vet, 65, Wins 200 Medals After Diabetes Diagnosis

Most people slow down after a diabetes diagnosis at 60. Mahipal Singh started running marathons instead.

The retired Navy veteran from Ghaziabad, India, received his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2021. His doctor's advice was simple: start exercising to manage your blood sugar.

Singh took it seriously. He laced up his shoes and hit the streets of Ghaziabad every morning, drawing on the discipline he'd learned during his Navy years. There were no crowds, no finish lines, just a man in his sixties fighting to control his condition.

Within months, his diabetes came under control. But something else happened too: he got faster, stronger, and more competitive than he'd ever imagined possible.

He entered his first race, then another. Soon he was traveling across India for competitions, joining the 60-plus category in masters athletics. The podium became familiar territory.

In 2023, Singh traveled to Dubai for an international competition. He entered three events: the 1,500 meters, 5,000 meters, and 10,000 meters. He won gold in all three.

Today, at 65, Singh has competed in over 150 marathons and collected 200 medals and 50 trophies. He holds national records in his age group.

His training routine would impress any professional athlete. He runs every morning without fail, follows a strict diet, and keeps a disciplined sleep schedule. His only indulgence is listening to old Hindi film songs.

Why This Inspires

Singh's story arrives at the perfect time for India, home to 100 million people living with diabetes and a rapidly aging population. He's proof that a health diagnosis doesn't have to be the end of an active life.

He didn't grow up dreaming of athletic glory. He simply showed up every morning and put one foot in front of the other. The medals followed.

For anyone wondering what's still possible after 60, Singh has a simple answer: 200 medals worth of possibilities, and he's still running.