Thai Athlete Wins Two Golds at 107, Breaks World Record

At 107 years old, most people would be content to watch sports from the comfort of home. Sawang Chanpram decided to fly to South Korea and break a world record instead.

The Thai athlete claimed two gold medals at the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu this August. Competing in the men's 95-and-over discus throw on August 27, he launched the 1kg disc 7.59 meters, shattering his own world record of 7.50 meters set just a year earlier in Taiwan.

Two days later, Sawang returned to the field for the javelin throw. Competing in the 100-and-over category, he secured his second gold with a throw of 10.04 meters.

While Sawang was the only competitor in both his age categories, he followed all official competition rules and used the same equipment as younger athletes. His achievements required the same dedication, training, and athletic skill that any championship performance demands.

Why This Inspires

Sawang's story reminds us that our potential doesn't expire with age. In a world that often sidelines older adults, this centenarian athlete shows up, competes, and continues improving his own benchmarks year after year.

His journey challenges assumptions about what's possible in our later decades. While many people slow down in their 60s and 70s, Sawang is still setting personal bests past 100.

The mayor of Daegu recognized something special too. After the competitions ended, he presented Sawang with a special award honoring him as the world's oldest track and field athlete.

Sawang's achievements aren't just about athletic performance. They represent a mindset that refuses to accept limitations based on age alone. Every training session, every competition, every incremental improvement serves as proof that growth and achievement remain possible throughout our entire lives.

At 107, Sawang Chanpram is still chasing gold medals and still breaking records he set himself.