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NEED TO KNOW
- 105-year-old athlete Sawang Janpram won four gold medals at the World Masters Games
- Janpram competed alone in his 100-plus age group, meaning he just had to finish to win
- "I'm proud he's brought honor to our family," his daughter said after he won his fourth medal
Nothing – not even time – stood in Sawang Janpram’s way this week as the 105-year-old added four gold medals to his trophy case at the World Masters Games in Taipei.
As the oldest competitor, the Thai athlete competed alone in the 100-plus age group at this 2025 World Masters Games, meaning he only needed to finish in order to win gold in the 100 meter, javelin, discus and shot put competitions. Janpram did just that, bringing his all-time World Masters Games medal count to 60 this week, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) global news service
On Thursday, May 22, Janpram earned his forth gold medal during this year's event after completing the shot put before celebrating alongside his 73-year-old daughter, Siripan. "I'm proud he's brought honor to our family," Siripan, who won three medals herself at the world sporting event, told the AFP.
I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty
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The World Masters Games is an international multi-sporting event held every four years, similar to the Olympics. However, the World Masters Games is unique in that its competitors are all 30-years-old or older and separated into age groups. The idea behind the games is to promote middle age and elderly athletes to continue their sports competition careers and promote better health.
“It advocates the philosophy of ‘lifelong sports’ and ‘sports for all’ as well as being an important international indicator of sports tourism,” according to the World Masters Games’ website.
And if Janpram’s story is any example, it’s never too late to start.
I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty
Janpram, a retired elementary school principal, only began regularly exercising after he turned 80 years old, according to a description of the athlete provided by the World Masters Games.
“After turning 80, he saw many of his old friends become bedridden due to illness,” the Games wrote. “So, he began to exercise with his daughter, Siripan, who practices track and field, and began participating in the competitions after turning 90.”
The 105-year-old walks daily and runs three-to-four times a week alongside his daughter, making sure he also gets enough sleep and wakes up early every day.
“When you eat well, sleep well, you will get into a good mood and live a regular life, and naturally you will be healthy,” the decorated athlete told the Games. Janpram also said he thinks it’s best for the elderly to get out of their home when they exercise. “It’s good for your health, and you get to make more friends.”
I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty
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This year’s World Masters Games in Taipei and New Taipei City, which runs from May 17 to May 30, includes nearly 26,000 athletes from 107 countries, according to the AFP.
Janpram told the outlet whether he will compete at the 2027 World Masters Games, in Japan, will be “up to my health.” For now, the 105-year-old will continue his regular exercises — whether it’s his daily walks near his home, or going to the grocery store with his daughter Siripan.
"I'm so proud of my father that he can still do this and that he is strong,” Janpram’s daughter told AFP. “People admire him wherever he goes.”
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