Grandfather proves age is just a number after breaking 80m hurdles record in China
82-year-old Ding Ming, a retired technician, won the men’s 80-84 age category at the 2026 Masters Athletics Championships in Changsha
Proving that age is just a number, an 82-year-old grandfather broke a national age-group record in the 80m hurdles at the 2026 China Masters Athletics Championships.
At the event held in Changsha this month, the nearly white-haired Ding Ming stood at the starting line in lightweight sportswear, his posture slightly stooped yet firm.
Once the starting gun fired, he blasted off with a steady, solid stride, clearing the hurdles with crisp efficiency that defied his advanced years.
Clocking 16.73 seconds, Ding, a retired technician who maintains his fitness out of pure passion, beat his own 2024 national record in the men’s 80-84 age category, drawing roars of applause from the crowd.
“When I was running, I didn’t know I could break the record,” Ding said, attributing his peak form to a relaxed mindset.
“I never compete for rankings. I only look to have fun, meet like-minded friends, and stay healthy. That is enough.”