Italian woman, 91, breaks running record — what makes her body different, according to doctors
Most 91-year-olds are racing to their recliners. Not Emma Maria Mazzenga. The Italian nonagenarian sprinted through a 200-meter dash in under a minute last year, crushing the previous world record for her age group. While others were gasping for air, Mazzenga was already sizing up her next race. Amazed by her speed, doctors investigated what […]
Most 91-year-olds are racing to their recliners. Not Emma Maria Mazzenga.
The Italian nonagenarian sprinted through a 200-meter dash in under a minute last year, crushing the previous world record for her age group. While others were gasping for air, Mazzenga was already sizing up her next race.
Amazed by her speed, doctors investigated what makes this senior sprinter tick. Now, they’ve uncovered the unique physical traits that have helped make Mazzenga one of Italy’s most unstoppable athletic wonders.
Mazzenga holds five world records for her age group. REUTERS
A body built to move
After blazing through a 200-meter dash in just 51.47 seconds — nearly 1.5 seconds faster than the previous 90-plus world record — Mazzenga enrolled in a scientific study to help scientists better understand her powerhouse physiology.
Italian researchers put the speed queen through a battery of tests, including cycling drills, knee exercises and thigh muscle biopsies.
They found two key factors fueling her fire.
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First, Mazzenga’s cardiorespiratory fitness — how well her heart and lungs pump oxygen to her muscles — was on par with a highly fit woman in her 50s. The energy centers of her cells were also virtually identical to a person decades younger.
Second, her muscles were incredibly unique. Mazzenga’s slow-twitch fibers — built for endurance — were “remarkably large,” letting her go the distance without burning out.
She also had a “very high percentage” of fast-twitch fibers, which produce powerful bursts of energy. According to researchers, these are ideal for fast, explosive movements like sprinting.
Researchers found that Mazzenga’s cardiorespiratory fitness matched that of someone half her age. REUTERS
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“This unique combination likely contributed to her exceptional 200m sprint performance, allowing her to maintain both endurance and speed at an advanced age,” said Dr. Marta Colosio , a postdoctoral fellow at Marquette University and first author of the study.
Decades in the making
So, how does a 91-year-old end up with the body — and sprint times — of someone half her age?
Simple: she’s been putting in the work for decades.
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Born in 1933, Mazzenga first hit the track during her university days, competing in the 100, 200, 400 and even the 800-meter races. Her crowning achievement was a fourth-place finish at the national championships in Rome.
But as life went on, she became a wife, mother and chemistry professor, putting her track career on hold for more than two decades.
“I got married in 1963,” Mazzenga told Vogue Italia . “I returned to racing in 1986 with my old teammates.”
Mazzenga went viral online after beating the world record in the 200-meter sprint for her age group. REUTERS
At 53, she joined the masters athletics circuit — competitive races for older runners organized by age group — and never looked back.
“All the costs are on me, but I’m happy to do it,” she said. “The emotion that a race gives me, the adrenaline that each training session gives me, are the pure energy of my days.”
That passion is paying off.
“Lifelong exercise training can enable extraordinary performance and maintain high functional levels even into the ninth decade of life,” Colosio said.
Today, she holds five world records five world records, nine European records and 28 best Italian performances in various categories of Masters sprinting.
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Mazzenga first began running during her time at university as a young woman. REUTERS
Mazzenga, who’s been widowed for more than 40 years, credits running not just with keeping her body strong — but also her mind.
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“It got me through some difficult times, which of course haven’t been lacking in a life as long as mine,“ she told Reuters .
Running “also allowed me always to be surrounded by a lot of people, so that I was never alone,“ Mazzenga added.
It’s never too late
Most people who reach their 90s slow down — and for good reason.
Aging brings a range of physiological changes, such as a decline in muscle mass, bone density, joint flexibility and overall mobility. Conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis, along with lifestyle factors like inactivity and poor nutrition, only accelerate the decline.
But researchers say physical activity can help preserve and even improve mobility in older adults, while also preventing age-related declines, even for those who haven’t been athletes their entire lives.
“Exercise is a powerful tool for promoting healthy aging,” Colosio said.
In particular, aerobic and strength exercises, along with balance training, can help seniors maintain mobility, independence and a high quality of life — whether or not they’re chasing world records like Mazzenga.
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EUGENE, Ore. – The Samford track and field program competed on the national stage this week as Bradley Franklin made it to the NCAA Championship in the 100-meter hurdles. Franklin finishes his NCAA season 15th in the nation, missing out on the finals by six spots. The Bulldog freshman ran […]
EUGENE, Ore. – The Samford track and field program competed on the national stage this week as Bradley Franklin made it to the NCAA Championship in the 100-meter hurdles. Franklin finishes his NCAA season 15th in the nation, missing out on the finals by six spots.
The Bulldog freshman ran in heat two of three heats at the championship. He finished sixth overall in the fastest heat of the three, with a time of 13.57 seconds. The top two finishers from each heat and the next three fastest times qualified for the finals which were run tonight. Franklin was one of just two freshmen who made it to the NCAA championship event and his finish marks the highest for the Bulldogs in the 110m hurdles.
Franklin won the indoor Southern Conference championship in the 60-meter hurdles and qualified for nationals. He broke the school and SoCon record as he won the SoCon 110-meter hurdles title and ran a time of 13.46 at the East Region to qualify for the outdoor championship.
He will be back in action on July 31 when he returns to Eugene to compete in the USA Outdoor Championship.
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Montana Tech volleyball camp gives Orediggers a different view of the game
BUTTE — Montana Tech’s volleyball team wrapped up a busy week of camps on Friday. After several stops on the eastern side of the state earlier this week, the Orediggers returned home to host a two-day camp for high school players that gave Tech an opportunity to see the game from a different vantage point. […]
BUTTE — Montana Tech’s volleyball team wrapped up a busy week of camps on Friday.
After several stops on the eastern side of the state earlier this week, the Orediggers returned home to host a two-day camp for high school players that gave Tech an opportunity to see the game from a different vantage point.
“I think it helps a lot with how I talk to my teammates,” said junior setter Rhys Layton. “I know someone’s gonna take this piece of advice a lot of better if I’m saying something in this way versus this way. And then I think it helps with understanding why people do what they do.”
Watch the video here:
Montana Tech volleyball camp gives Orediggers a different view of the game
“It’s one thing to learn it and hear it and it’s another to teach it,” said Tech head coach Brian Solomon. “And I think it’s a great chance for them to see some of the keys that we use. And as you teach them it really reaffirms what we’re working toward as a program.”
The Orediggers, who will be looking to advance to the national tournament final site for the third straight season in 2025, open the preseason at home on Aug. 21 as they host the Big Sky Volleyball Challenge.
Water polo players fall short at the start of the World Cup
Photo: VPSCG/seemore agency The start of the World Championship was not good for young Montenegrin water polo players. Our U20 selection opened the planetary championship in Zagreb with a convincing defeat to Hungary – it was 18:10. The question of the winner was not raised since halftime, as the Hungarians, with a furious game in […]
The start of the World Championship was not good for young Montenegrin water polo players. Our U20 selection opened the planetary championship in Zagreb with a convincing defeat to Hungary – it was 18:10.
The question of the winner was not raised since halftime, as the Hungarians, with a furious game in the second half of the second quarter, escaped to an unattainable 11:5…
The opening half was goal for goal, with Montenegro taking the lead through Srđan Janović in a man-up attack. It was then 2:1 and 3:2 for Aleksandar Aleksić’s team, who allowed their rival to take a 3:0 series to reach plus two (5:3).
Janović later reduced the score to 5:4 and it was the last moment in which our national team was in the game, as Hungary reached a 10:4 lead in three and a half minutes. The rival had the biggest advantage with three and a half minutes left in the match, when they took a 17:8 lead.
Janović and Danilo Stupar were the most efficient in the Montenegrin team with three goals each, Milan Nikaljević scored two, and Ilija Kojičić and Nikola Petrović scored one each. The best individual for the Hungarians was Oliver Lejnweber with five goals.
On Sunday (19 pm), Montenegro will face a new derby against host Croatia, and on Monday (17.30:XNUMX pm) a match against the United States of America.
Montenegro is in Group A, while four teams make up Group B – Greece, Serbia, Italy and Spain. The other 12 national teams are divided into four groups of three teams each.
From Groups A and B, all teams advance – the top two teams from each group advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the third- and fourth-place teams will play for a place among the top eight with teams from Groups C, D, E and F.
Sir Jonathan Sims claims Honorable Mention All-American honors in the triple jump
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EUGENE, Oregon — Sir Jonathan Sims notched Honorable Mention All-American honors in the triple jump in the final day of the men’s competition of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships at Hayward Field on Friday. For the second consecutive year, Sir Jonathan Sims earned Honorable Mention All-American […]
EUGENE, Oregon — Sir Jonathan Sims notched Honorable Mention All-American honors in the triple jump in the final day of the men’s competition of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships at Hayward Field on Friday.
For the second consecutive year, Sir Jonathan Sims earned Honorable Mention All-American honors in the men’s triple jump. He finished three spots ahead of his performance last year with a 20th overall finish with a best leap of 15.07 meters. Last year he finished in 23rd.
The Texan finish the event with four team points, second in the WAC, just a single point behind CBU. The Purple and White ranked among the top 55 schools in the nation. The Texans ranked 11th of the non-Power Four schools to score. Out of the 72 schools to score at least one point only 24 hail from a non-Power Four Conference.
“Our men’s team had a phenomenal year,” said head coach Bobby Carter. “To come out of this meet with an All-American is something special. Also, to be ranked in the top 25 as a team throughout the year was great to see as well. As I always say, greater is coming! These young men will be back next year!”
Sims improved on each of his three jumps throughout the competition. After a 14.81-meter leap on his first attempt, he cracked 15 meters with a 15.04-meter leap. On Sims’ final attempt of the day, he leapt 15.07 meters to claim 20th place overall.
Sir Jonathan Sims was the only Texan to compete at the NCAA National Championships for the second consecutive season. The Arizona transfer competed in both the long and triple jump last season in Oregon earning Honorable Mention All-American honors in each. Sims was one of just four male athletes at the national championships a year ago to compete in both the long and triple jumps.
Tarleton State will have one athlete compete on the final day on Saturday. Victoria Cameron will be racing in the women’s 100-meter finals slated for 6:52 pm PT / 8:52 pm CT on ESPN2. The sophomore is the only non-Power Four athlete in the finals and is vying for a top eight spot in the field of nine women to earn her first career First Team All-American honor. As a team, the Texans have scored one point and are among the 37 teams to have scored after the first six scored events.
North Allegheny falls to Cumberland Valley in PIAA boys volleyball final
By: Jeffrey Kauffman Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 4:51 PM Christopher Horner | TribLive North Allegheny’s Elijah Braun scores against Cumberland Valley’s Bryson Walsh during the PIAA Class 3A championship match on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State. Christopher Horner | TribLive Cumberland Valley’s Avery Reynolds scores past North Allegheny’s Peter Bratich and Will […]
North Allegheny’s Elijah Braun scores against Cumberland Valley’s Bryson Walsh during the PIAA Class 3A championship match on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
Cumberland Valley’s Avery Reynolds scores past North Allegheny’s Peter Bratich and Will Robertson during the PIAA Class 3A championship match on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
North Allegheny head coach Dan Long talks with his team during the PIAA Class 3A championship match against Cumberland Valley on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
Cumberland Valley’s Avery Reynolds scores past North Allegheny’s Jackson Failla during the PIAA Class 3A championship match on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
North Allegheny’s Will Robertson scores against Cumberland Valley’s Avery Reynolds and Isaiah Sibbitt during the PIAA Class 3A championship match on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
North Allegheny’s Will Robertson hugs head coach Dan Long while receiving his silver medal after the PIAA Class 3A championship match against Cumberland Valley on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
North Allegheny’s Matthew LaMay scores against Cumberland Valley’s Avery Reynolds and Aidan Dunwoody during the PIAA Class 3A championship match on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
North Allegheny’s Matthew LaMay hugs head coach Dan Long while receiving his silver medal after the PIAA Class 3A championship match against Cumberland Valley on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
Cumberland Valley’s Avery Reynolds battles North Allegheny’s Peter Bratich at the net during the PIAA Class 3A championship match on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
North Allegheny’s Garen White helps Elliott Swierczynski from the floor, as Cumberland Valley celebrates after winning the PIAA Class 3A championship match on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
North Allegheny’s Elijah Braun accepts the runner-up trophy with teammates after the PIAA Class 3A state championship match against Cumberland Valley on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Penn State.
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STATE COLLEGE — North Allegheny faced a determined Cumberland Valley team Saturday that was not going to go away without a state title.
The Eagles swept the Tigers with game scores of 25-21, 25-21 and 25-12 to win the PIAA Class 3A championship at Rec Hall on the campus of Penn State.
“I thought we played well, but fundamentally Cumberland Valley played better,” Tigers coach Daniel Long said. “They just did a solid job of keeping balls in play. Their libero (Hayden Ackley) just did an incredible job of keeping the ball in play — we had good hits, but others also stepped up. I am heartbroken for our seniors, who I will never get to coach again.”
WPIAL champion North Allegheny had defeated defeated Palmyra, Penn-Trafford and Central York in earlier state tournament rounds, the latter two 3-1 victories. The Tigers finish the season at 18-2.
The first game went back and forth for the first 19 points, with neither team scoring more than one point in a row. Derek Paul stepped to the service line and the Eagles (23-0) scored five points in a row to open a 15-10 lead, prompting a Tigers time out.
North Allegheny responded to cut the deficit to two points, but the Eagles ran off four in a row to take a 24-19 lead. The Eagles then won the first set 25-21.
“That five-point run was a turning point,” Long said. “We just didn’t answer well a few times.”
North Allegheny, making its state-record 20th appearance in the PIAA final, took an early 8-3 lead in the second game, prompting an Eagles time out. The Eagles regrouped and cleaned up their fundamentals, rallying to tie the game at nine. The Eagles limited mistakes and did not allow the Tigers to make a big run, winning the second game 25-21.
The District 3 champion Eagles rolled out to an 8-2 lead in the third game, prompting another Tigers time out to figure out some strategy. The Tigers made a late run, but the momentum was on the Eagles’ side as they rolled to a 25-12 victory and the sweep of North Allegheny.
“We played a very good game today; we made a few mistakes, but they were extremely limited,” Eagles coach Terry Ranck said. “Defensively, service and service-receive were solid. That is a credit to every one of these guys on the team. From practice, this team works hard and the guys behind the scenes are also keys. So proud of this group of seniors to go out on top and win a state championship.”
Senior Avery Reynolds led the way for the Eagles with 12 kills. Will Robertson had eight kills and an ace for North Allegheny.
It marked the final match for the Tigers’ 10 seniors — Brandon Goetz, Ryan Young, Caleb Chen, Dominic Laswell, James Zimmer, Elijah Braun, Aidan Mowry, Ryan Dyga, Matthew LaMay and Garen White.
Track & Field’s Men Finish 28th at the NCAA Outdoor Championships – LSU
EUGENE, Ore. – The LSU men’s track & field team closed their week at the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Friday, hosted by Oregon at the historic Hayward Field. The men ended the meet with a score of 11.33 points to finish 28th in the team race. Live Results The underclassmen duo of freshman Jelani Watkins and […]
EUGENE, Ore. – The LSU men’s track & field team closed their week at the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Friday, hosted by Oregon at the historic Hayward Field. The men ended the meet with a score of 11.33 points to finish 28th in the team race.
Live Results
The underclassmen duo of freshman Jelani Watkins and sophomore Jaiden Reid scored the majority of the points for the men this week in the 100 meter. Watkins didn’t have the greatest start by the last 20 meters of the race were almost perfect as he finished with bronze in his first NCAA appearance. The freshman clocked a time of 10.10 seconds (10.092), which was only .001 away from a silver medal. Reid finished in sixth with a time of 10.17 seconds to score three points for the Tigers. Together the duo brought home nine of the 11.33 points score on the men’s side.
First Tiger up to bat on Friday was Kuda Chadenga in the high jump final. The Zimbabwean got off to a great start clearing the first two heights of 2.10 meters (6-10.75) and 2.15 meters (7-0.5). Chadenga was unable to clear the height of 2.20 meters (7-2.5), which would’ve been a season best. The senior finished in a three-way tie for eighth, scoring a third if a point for the Tigers.
In the men’s hurdles, Jahiem Stern finished in seventh to score two points. The junior clocked a time of 13.57 seconds, staying relatively clean over the hurdles until the halfway point where he started to clip them.
The men’s 4×100-meter relay quartet consisting of Stern, Reid, Myles Thomas and Watkins were thought to have finished third overall in the event. Moments later the team was disqualified for overstepping their lane two or more times.
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