Aussie athlete pushes beyond limits at 94 in 2024 South Australian Masters Games
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In the golden glow of the South Australian sun, a scene unfolds that could inspire even the most sedentary among us to lace up their sneakers.
At the Kadina race track, where the 2024 South Australian Masters Games are in full swing, an athlete is defying the odds and rewriting the narrative on aging and fitness.
Meet Percy Voigt, an energetic 94-year-old from Loxton whose athletic prowess is turning heads and challenging notions about what it means to grow older.
As he lined up for the 100-metre sprint, his competitors in the 90- to 94-year-old age bracket might have expected a typical race, but Voigt is anything but typical.
Dressed in a sage green polo and brown cotton trousers, Voigt might look like he's dressed for a casual day out rather than a sprint.
His attire hid the fierce competitor within as he dashed towards the finish line. A broad grin and a twinkle in his eye signal his imminent victory and the addition of yet another gold medal to his impressive collection.
Two years ago, Voigt wouldn't have imagined himself in this position. His athletic journey began in his 90s, encouraged by a family challenge after he jokingly suggested, 'Ah, I could do that. I could run,’ referring to the SA Masters Games.
‘I was only kidding; I wasn't fair dinkum,’ he continued.
‘All right, big mouth, come and have a try, and let's see what you can do,’ his family replied.
Despite suffering from stage three emphysema and osteoarthritis, Voigt laced up his shoes and took to the track, only to find himself gasping for breath and in pain.
‘It didn't go too well. I couldn't even run the 100 metres at first,’ Voigt said.
However,Voigt is a man of determination. He quit smoking, focused on his health, and, with a point to prove, he began training.
His efforts paid off, as he won gold in the 60m and 100m runs at his first SA Masters Games.
‘That went all right—I won gold for each one, so that was two medals in the first year,’ Voigt commented.
By 2023, he had competed in five events at the Australian Masters Games, including the 1,500m walk, shot put, discus throw, javelin, and 100m sprint.
‘The Australian Masters Games were encouraging because I started to break my personal best times, and I thought to myself, ‘Hey, this is pretty good,’’ he said.
Training with his coach and son-in-law, Peter Hamilton, Voigt now follows a rigorous exercise routine, including workouts at Loxton Oval, hydrotherapy sessions, and using the town's public outdoor gym equipment.
‘It's like being born again, nice and rejuvenated. Off we go!’ he said.
According to Dr Hamilton, Mr Voigt's resilience hasn't just motivated his family; it's uplifted the entire Loxton community.
‘It's about how you look after yourself, having a purpose, and having a go, and he's been a great example of that,’ Dr Hamilton praised.
With 19 medals to his name, Voigt is not ready to slow down.
‘I'll be in the 95- to 99-year-old age group and compete against all the others, if there are any!’ he said.
'I think it's mainly having a good positive attitude,' Voigt said with a smile. 'The older I grow, the faster I go!'
Percy Voigt's story is a reminder that age is truly no barrier to achieving athletic success. You, too, can get fit by doing these four exercises that will get you moving every day.
Have you started your own fitness journey? We’d love to hear more of your accomplishments and struggles in the comments below.
At the Kadina race track, where the 2024 South Australian Masters Games are in full swing, an athlete is defying the odds and rewriting the narrative on aging and fitness.
Meet Percy Voigt, an energetic 94-year-old from Loxton whose athletic prowess is turning heads and challenging notions about what it means to grow older.
As he lined up for the 100-metre sprint, his competitors in the 90- to 94-year-old age bracket might have expected a typical race, but Voigt is anything but typical.
Dressed in a sage green polo and brown cotton trousers, Voigt might look like he's dressed for a casual day out rather than a sprint.
Seniors defiedlimits and showcased their strength at the SA Master Games. Credit: Unsplash
His attire hid the fierce competitor within as he dashed towards the finish line. A broad grin and a twinkle in his eye signal his imminent victory and the addition of yet another gold medal to his impressive collection.
Two years ago, Voigt wouldn't have imagined himself in this position. His athletic journey began in his 90s, encouraged by a family challenge after he jokingly suggested, 'Ah, I could do that. I could run,’ referring to the SA Masters Games.
‘I was only kidding; I wasn't fair dinkum,’ he continued.
‘All right, big mouth, come and have a try, and let's see what you can do,’ his family replied.
Despite suffering from stage three emphysema and osteoarthritis, Voigt laced up his shoes and took to the track, only to find himself gasping for breath and in pain.
‘It didn't go too well. I couldn't even run the 100 metres at first,’ Voigt said.
However,Voigt is a man of determination. He quit smoking, focused on his health, and, with a point to prove, he began training.
His efforts paid off, as he won gold in the 60m and 100m runs at his first SA Masters Games.
‘That went all right—I won gold for each one, so that was two medals in the first year,’ Voigt commented.
By 2023, he had competed in five events at the Australian Masters Games, including the 1,500m walk, shot put, discus throw, javelin, and 100m sprint.
‘The Australian Masters Games were encouraging because I started to break my personal best times, and I thought to myself, ‘Hey, this is pretty good,’’ he said.
Training to compete more in the coming years gave Mr Voigt a renewed sense of vitality and purpose. Credit: iStockphoto
Training with his coach and son-in-law, Peter Hamilton, Voigt now follows a rigorous exercise routine, including workouts at Loxton Oval, hydrotherapy sessions, and using the town's public outdoor gym equipment.
‘It's like being born again, nice and rejuvenated. Off we go!’ he said.
According to Dr Hamilton, Mr Voigt's resilience hasn't just motivated his family; it's uplifted the entire Loxton community.
‘It's about how you look after yourself, having a purpose, and having a go, and he's been a great example of that,’ Dr Hamilton praised.
With 19 medals to his name, Voigt is not ready to slow down.
‘I'll be in the 95- to 99-year-old age group and compete against all the others, if there are any!’ he said.
'I think it's mainly having a good positive attitude,' Voigt said with a smile. 'The older I grow, the faster I go!'
Percy Voigt's story is a reminder that age is truly no barrier to achieving athletic success. You, too, can get fit by doing these four exercises that will get you moving every day.
Have you started your own fitness journey? We’d love to hear more of your accomplishments and struggles in the comments below.
