Senior athletes prove age is just a number at Daegu WMAC

The World Masters Athletics Championships (WMAC) is currently underway in Daegu, South Korea, and has attracted over 11,000 athletes from 106 countries. Sawang Janpram, a Thai athlete, is among the participants and is the oldest competitor at 106 years old. Janpram began exercising at the age of 80 and has since won 78 medals, including four golds at the 2025 World Masters Games in Taiwan.

Another South Korean participant, Kim Myung-rak, is 90 years old, and his goal is to complete his 100-meter run without falling. The WMAC Daegu spans 34 categories across track, field, and road racing. According to estimates, the economic impact of hosting the event could reach around 146 billion won (US$106 million).

Janpram's daughter, Siripan, 74, encouraged him to start exercising after witnessing a close friend's deteriorating health. He took up exercise to avoid becoming a burden to his family and expressed pride in his achievements. The Thai athlete's primary goal for the Daegu competition is to enjoy life and stay fit, with his daughter by his side.