A 92-year-old Algerian runner secured a silver medal at the World Masters Athletics Championships held in Daegu, South Korea. The athlete's achievement marked a notable performance at the international event, which brings together master athletes from around the globe to compete across various age categories. The competition in Daegu saw the Algerian participant demonstrate enduring athletic prowess, earning a podium finish in their age category and capturing international attention for his remarkable dedication and performance. This significant accomplishment notes the spirit of lifelong athleticism.
Veteran Runner's Background
The athlete is identified as Abdelkader Ben Ghelah. Born on January 26, 1934, Ben Ghelah hails from the Hussein Dey district in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria. His dedication to running is a long-standing aspect of his life, spanning many decades and continuing into his tenth decade. Ben Ghelah attributes his health and longevity directly to his consistent athletic pursuits, stating, "My doctor is the track." This perspective shows his profound commitment to physical activity as a core component of his well-being and a philosophy he has lived by for years. His personal journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to competitive excellence.
Previous Victories and Records
Abdelkader Ben Ghelah secured the silver medal in the M90 100-meter race at the recent World Masters Athletics Championships. This achievement follows a series of notable performances in previous competitions, establishing his reputation as a formidable master athlete. In 2025, Ben Ghelah won the Open African Masters Championship, which took place in Tunisia, further solidifying his continental standing. During that championship, he established an African record for his age group in the 100-meter race, a testament to his exceptional speed and endurance. His recorded time for the event was an impressive 18.55 seconds, setting a new benchmark for athletes in his category across the continent. These victories show his consistent presence and competitive spirit in masters athletics, demonstrating sustained excellence across various international and continental events over several years.
Support and Motivation
The Ministry of Sports praised Abdelkader Ben Ghelah's achievement, acknowledging his outstanding performance at the international event and the pride he brought to his nation. In an official statement, the Ministry conveyed its admiration: "The Algerian runner Abdelkader Ben Ghelah, aged 92, achieved a historic feat by winning the silver medal in the 100-meter race for the M90 category, within the World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, after completing the race in a time of 18.99 seconds." This recognition from a national body notes the significance of his accomplishment not just for himself, but for Algerian sports as a whole. Ben Ghelah traveled to Daegu accompanied by his coach, Mohamed Hussein. Hussein provided key support throughout the competition, offering guidance and encouragement that were integral to Ben Ghelah's success on the world stage.
Inspiration on the Track
Abdelkader Ben Ghelah completed the M90 100-meter race in 18.99 seconds at the World Masters Athletics Championships, a performance that earned him the silver medal. His remarkable speed and agility at 92 years old established him as the fastest African runner over 90 years old, a distinction that adds to his growing list of accolades. Beyond his athletic achievements, Ben Ghelah also earned the nickname 'The Postal Courier' due to his historical role in carrying messages between Mujahideen during a significant period in Algerian history. This nickname reflects not only his speed but also his past contributions, adding another layer to his inspiring life story. His participation and success at such an advanced age serve as a powerful example of perseverance and the enduring human capacity for athletic achievement.