Ida Keeling was born on May 15, 1915, in Harlem, New York. Growing up during the Great Depression, her family faced hardships as their grocery store was forced to close. To help make ends meet, Ida had to take on various odd jobs at a young age.
It wasn't until Ida was 67 years old that she discovered her passion for running. Concerned about her mother's health, Ida's daughter encouraged her to take up the sport. Little did anyone know that this would be the beginning of a remarkable journey.
At the age of 95, Ida became a sensation in the running world when she set an age group record with a sub-30 second 60-meter run. This accomplishment was just the beginning of her record-breaking feats. Five years later, she made history by becoming the first woman to ever run a 100-meter dash at the age of 100.
Despite her incredible success on the track, Ida has faced her fair share of tragedies in life. She had four children with her husband, who tragically passed away at the young age of 42. Ida also experienced the devastating loss of two of her sons in what were believed to be drug-related killings, one in 1978 and the other a few years later.
During the 1960s, Ida was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, using her voice to advocate for equality and justice. Her resilience and determination have inspired countless individuals, both young and old, to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.
Ida Keeling's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that age is just a number. Her extraordinary achievements on the track have earned her a place in history alongside other legendary runners like Fauja Singh. Through her athleticism and resilience, Ida continues to defy expectations and inspire others to reach for their full potential.