NY Times: Lester Wright, the Fastest Known Centenarian

#1

Another triumph of the alter kockers

Lester Wright, the Fastest Known Centenarian, Dies at 103

NY Times: 100 meter dash record for a centenarian

In 2022, at 100, he set what was believed to be a world record in the 100-meter dash at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, beating 86- and 92-year-old competitors.

April 29, 2026

Inside a track and field arena on a sunny day and wearing a running singlet, a slender older man with thinning gray hair raises his arms, fists clenched, in victory.

Lester Wright after competing in 2022 at the Penn Relays, where he became the fastest known centenarian.Jerry Carino/USA Today Network

The day after he turned 100 in 2022, Lester Wright ran the 100-meter dash in 26.34 seconds, setting what was believed to be a world record and becoming the fastest known centenarian.

As a crowd of 38,000 stood and cheered, he set off down the track at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, one of the country’s premier track meets, wearing a running singlet, tights to his knees and two thin ponytails braided by his daughter. Wright, a slender World War II veteran, swung his arms rhythmically and lifted his knees high.

The only centenarian in the nine-man field, he crossed the finish line in seventh place, ahead of 86- and 92-year-old competitors. Runners congratulated him. Reporters crowded around.

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#2

Here’s a funny thing: the other day, I went with my family for a check-up and met this 92-year-old man. I told him his family must be blessed with longevity, and he said his mother lived to be 128. His advice for a long life? Don’t eat too much. Now, I knew the old guy was stretching the truth—the current world record is 122—but I just went along with it.

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