Diane Hoffman, who is 91 years old, just broke two U.S. running records for her age group. How incredible! Upon doing this, she obtains a world record as well. The official Twitter account for USATF New England confirms the news in a tweet, introducing the 91-year-old athlete.
“Diane Hoffman, 91, breaks the WORLD RECORD in the 400m dash for women’s 90-95 age group! Diane split a 2:44.25, to beat the existing WR of 2:46.56…and she’s not done yet!” they say.
Hoffman’s background isn’t even in running
🚨🌎Meet update: Diane Hofffman, 91, breaks the 🌎 WORLD RECORD in the 400m dash for women’s 90-95 age group! Diane split a 2:44.25, to beat the existing WR of 2:46.56…and she’s not done yet! pic.twitter.com/fzSyRvNSYQ
— USATF New England (@usatfne) July 27, 2019
Hoffman was participating in the USA Track & Field’s New England Open & Masters Championship in Worcester, Massachusetts. Upon doing so, she sets new U.S. records for women ages 90-94 in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints.
The 91-year-old breaks the world record for the 400-meter sprint by running 2:44:25 in the single-lap distance. The record previously held by Emilia Garcia de Fontán of Colombia ran it in 2:46.56.
Hoffman has an athletic background, but it’s actually not in running. Her running career begins when her son sees her running outside. He then convinces her to compete in local track meets because he can’t believe his mom’s athletic abilities at her age.
“I don’t know! My son wanted to me to run…I don’t run, I am tennis player!” Hoffman explains. “I guess tennis helped. I always played at the net, going like this, and this…That way no balls could get past me!” she adds, mimicking swinging a tennis racket.
Take a look at the full coverage on Diane Hoffman’s story below, in addition to some amazing footage of her actually running! She is really on the move! The coverage includes interviews with Hoffman and what a day in the life for her is like.