Getting Older Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Get Any Faster: Sir Rod Stewart’s Sprinting Ambitions at 80

As the sun dipped behind the rolling hills of his English estate, Sir Rod Stewart, the iconic rock legend, laced up his running shoes, his determined spirit shining through despite the years that have graced his life. At 80, Stewart is embarking on an audacious quest: he aims to break the world record for the 100 meters in his age category. “I’m going to try and do 17 seconds, which I think is a world record for an 80-year-old,” he mentioned with palpable excitement in a recent interview with AARP.

Defying Age Through Dedication

Stewart, whose accolades include induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Award, is turning the spotlight on aging and physical vitality. His current focus on sprinting exemplifies a broader cultural shift that challenges the stereotypes of aging, suggesting that vitality and speed can indeed flourish alongside the wrinkles of time. “The narrative around aging is slowly changing,” notes Dr. Elizabeth Farnsworth, a gerontologist at the University of London. “People in their 70s and 80s are redefining what it means to be ‘old’ by embracing fitness and competition.”

A Rigorous Training Regimen

Stewart’s commitment to prepare for his sprinting challenge takes a multifaceted approach. Training sessions include:

• Interval sprints to build explosive power
• Strength training to enhance core stability
• Underwater workouts aimed at improving lung capacity and overall fitness

“I keep myself very fit,” he asserts. His rigorous regimen includes a private indoor pool and a gym, complemented by a personal trainer with whom he has built a relationship over 38 years. “We do a lot of underwater training, where the trainer throws a brick into the pool, and I have to dive in, push the brick to the end of the pool, and come up,” he elaborates, highlighting the cross-training benefits of his aquatic sessions.

Stewart’s optimism is infectious, yet he acknowledges the challenges ahead. The benchmark he aspires to—17 seconds—was put into perspective when American sprinter Kenton Brown shattered records in October 2024. Brown clocked a staggering 14.21 seconds at the Nevada Senior Games, and with negative wind speed, it is speculated he could have achieved an even faster time. “Kenton’s record underscores the intense competition in senior athletics,” explained Dr. Mark Trenton, a sports scientist. “It proves that age is no barrier to pushing physical limits.”

A Clash of Titans: The Senior Sprinting World

Stewart is not alone in his pursuit of athletic excellence; the rise of senior athletes has introduced a competitive edge often overlooked. Senior sprinting leagues are burgeoning, populated by individuals who refuse to let age be a limiting factor. According to a 2022 study by the International Association of Senior Athletes, participation in organized sports for older adults has increased by 35% over the past decade, affirming the sentiment that growing older does not equate to slowing down.

The Importance of Community and Support

For Stewart, the journey is as valuable as the destination. Fostering a community of like-minded individuals has paramount importance. Beyond the track and the gym, he often engages with local running clubs and senior athlete gatherings, which create a network of encouragement. “Being around others who share your ambitions, regardless of age, is incredibly motivating,” Dr. Farnsworth emphasizes. “Social interaction and community support can enhance not just physical health but mental well-being as well.”

Stewart’s push to improve his 100-meter time is also a reflection of an unyielding passion for performance that has characterized his life. As he prepares for his upcoming performance at Glastonbury, set for June, he intertwines his dual roles as a musician and an athlete. “Frank Sinatra once said to me, ‘Rod, the secret to being a great singer is having powerful lungs. Do lots of underwater swimming, where you hold your breath,’” Stewart recalled, subtly emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical fitness and artistry.

The Mental Game: Age and Mindset

Yet, sprinting isn’t purely a test of physicality; the psychological aspect cannot be underestimated. The drive to challenge oneself repeatedly transcends the need for mere competition. “Mental resilience is key,” Dr. Trenton notes. “Most athletes face psychological hurdles, but older athletes often draw from life experiences to navigate these hurdles with greater ease.” Stewart’s indomitable spirit is a testament to this, demonstrating that the persistence to excel remains ageless.

As Stewart trains diligently on his private track, he embodies the belief that the human body, regardless of age, can indeed be sculpted and improved. His pursuit to shatter assumptions around aging serves as a clarion call—a reminder that ambition is not easily dimmed by the passing years. Life, as conveyed through Stewart’s vibrant endeavors, can indeed remain a stage for performance, regardless of the age etched into one’s identity.

In a world where the narrative often centers solely on decline, Sir Rod Stewart is sprinting ahead, framing aging as a pursuit of excellence. His endeavor is not just about timetables or world records; it’s about redefining what it means to live fully and passionately, proving—much like his music—that some legends only grow stronger with time.

Source: www.menshealth.com