Fauja Singh was born on April 1, 1911, in Jalandhar, India. He grew up in Punjab, British India, with his three older siblings. Fauja faced a difficult start in life, as he was born with weak lower limbs and struggled to walk until he was five years old. Despite these challenges, he persevered and built up his strength over time.
It wasn't until his early adulthood years that Fauja Singh discovered his passion for running. He started running as a way to stay fit and active, but it wasn't until he was in his eighties that he decided to become a competitive racer. Fauja's dedication to training and his natural talent for running quickly began to pay off.
Fauja Singh's running accomplishments are nothing short of impressive. As a supercentenarian, he set numerous United Kingdom and world records for his running times in the over-ninety-years-old age category. In 2003, he finished the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in just over five and a half hours and completed the London Marathon that same year in just six hours and two minutes.
One of Fauja's most remarkable feats was running in the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon at the age of 101. He finished the race in just over an hour and a half, proving that age was no match for his determination and endurance.
Despite his success as a runner, Fauja Singh faced personal tragedy in the early 1990s when he lost his wife, son, and daughter within a two-year period. Devastated by these losses, Fauja turned to running as a source of solace and strength. Running became not only a physical outlet for him but also a way to cope with grief and find healing.
Fauja Singh's incredible story has inspired people around the world. His resilience, determination, and positive attitude in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the power of the human spirit. Fauja's impact extends beyond the world of running, as he has shown that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.
Alongside other sports icons like Muhammad Ali and David Beckham, Fauja Singh made appearances in a 2004 Adidas advertising campaign, solidifying his status as a beloved and respected figure in the world of sports.