Emma Maria Mazzenga, the 90-Year-Old Italian Athlete Who Broke the World Record in the 200m Sprint

"Thank you, it’s a nice result. But last year I ran it in under 50 seconds." With those words, Emma Maria Mazzenga made headlines once again just moments after setting a new world record in the indoor 200 meters for the W90 category.

On Sunday, January 14 in Padua, the 91-year-old from Italy shattered the previous record of over one minute, set 13 years ago by Canadian Olga Kotelko, finishing her race in 54.47 seconds.

For Emma, born in 1933, this achievement is already behind her. Like any true athlete, her focus is always on what’s next.

In February, she’ll compete in the Italian Masters Championships in Ancona, and then in March, she heads to the European Masters in Poland. Her primary goal remains constant: to challenge herself and improve.

Emma's story is one of unwavering drive. Born on August 1, she seems to carry summer with her wherever she goes not just in energy, but in spirit.

Even after a recent injury, she couldn't stay still. “I was home for a week after the accident, but when I went downstairs to take out the trash, I realized how weak I felt.

Sitting still wasn't going to help,” she told reporters. So, she started moving again walking, pedaling on the stationary bike to regain her breath and by mid-December, she was back on the track. Now, with training, she's hopeful she can return to the form she had just a year ago.

Registered with Atletica Insieme Verona, Emma continues to train twice a week in Padua. In winter, she runs indoors at the Palaindoor facility; in summer, she trains at the Colbacchini Stadium. Following a plan crafted by Daniele Aloe, head coach for the club's master division, Emma remains as dedicated as ever.

“With consistent training, I hope to improve and feel as strong as I did last year,” she added.

Her athletic roots go back to university, where she raced for Cus Padova from 1956 to 1961 in the 100, 200, 400, and occasionally 800 meters. Her best result was a fourth-place finish at the national championships in Rome.

“I got married in 1963,” she shared in an interview, “and I returned to racing in 1986 with my old teammates.” Since then, her passion has never faded.

To this day, Emma starts her mornings walking with her friend Rosa, a fellow runner and the Masters coordinator for FIDAL Veneto. Together, they train, race, and enjoy the sport that continues to shape their lives.

Emma Maria Mazzenga isn’t just a record-holder she’s a living example of passion, persistence, and what it means to never stop chasing the next finish line.