Fauja Singh, known as the Turbaned Torpedo and believed to be the world’s oldest marathon runner, died at 114 after being struck by a car.
Fauja Singh, an inspiring figure in both India and the global running community, has tragically passed away at the age of 114. The Indian-born runner, who earned the nickname “Turbaned Torpedo,” succumbed to injuries following a hit-and-run accident in his native village near Jalandhar, Punjab, local media reported. The incident occurred on Monday, and despite receiving medical care, Singh was unable to recover from the severe head injuries sustained.
His passing was confirmed by his London-based running club, Sikhs In The City. Tributes quickly poured in, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledging Singh’s profound impact, stating that Singh was “extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness.”
Singh became an icon after he completed a full marathon in Toronto in 2011 at the age of 100, making him the oldest man known to achieve such a feat. Although Guinness World Records did not officially recognize this accomplishment due to the absence of a birth certificate, Singh’s British passport cited his birth date as April 1, 1911. Additionally, Indian government officials explained that birth records were not maintained in 1911.
His journey to running legend began under remarkable circumstances. Singh took up running at the age of 89 following the deaths of his wife and son, events that plunged him into deep depression. Notably, his son’s tragic passing in 1994 affected him severely. While both were checking their fields amid a storm, a piece of corrugated metal decapitated his son, Kuldip, in a horrific accident witnessed by Singh. Left alone after his other children emigrated, Singh found solace in running.
After moving to London to live with his youngest son, Singh immersed himself in the local Sikh community’s sports events and was inspired by fellow Sikh marathon runners. Witnessing a marathon on television sparked his desire to pursue long-distance running. He completed his first marathon in London in 2000, at 89, and participated in a total of nine marathons. His best marathon time was 5 hours and 40 minutes, achieved at the 2003 Toronto Marathon.
Despite the tragic path that led him to running, Singh reflected on its transformative power, saying, “From a tragedy has come a lot of success and happiness.”
Singh ran his final competitive race in 2013, at 101 years old, completing the Hong Kong Marathon’s 10-kilometer (6.25-mile) segment in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. After retiring, Singh hoped to remain in the public memory, stating, “I hope people will remember me and not forget me,” and expressed a wish to continue attending events beyond his running career.
Prime Minister Modi encapsulated the sentiments of many admirers, describing Singh as “an exceptional athlete with incredible determination,” and expressed sorrow at Singh’s passing, noting how his thoughts are with Singh’s family and admirers worldwide.
Singh’s legacy endures through the inspiration he provided to countless people, and his story remains a testament to human resilience and the possibility of reinvention even later in life.
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