This 95-year-old world record holder proves it is never too late to follow your dreams!
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We here at the SDC love sharing inspiring stories with our members, especially ones that involve chasing after dreams and goals – no matter the challenges that stand in the way.
Such is the case of Heather Lee, a 95-year-old champion racewalker, who refused to let her age stand in her way.
‘I’ve always been a great walker. You know, a fast walker, a good walker.’ This is what Heather Lee, a 95-year-old world record holder, said in a recent interview. This comes after she set a 1500m world record for the women’s 95-100 age group.
When her husband passed away some 20 years ago, he told her that ‘Now is the time to show your mettle.’ And at almost 96 years old, with nine racewalking records under her name, Heather has proven that she’s done exactly that.
Heather was 70 years old when her husband, Len, passed away from cancer. Not long after, she joined a walking group as a casual form of exercise and to socialise.
Soon, she started participating in fun runs, from the Mother’s Day Classic, and City2Surf, to Bridge Run, and many more. It was at this point that Heather realised she was a natural athlete.
‘I think I won the Bridge Run in my age group the first time I went into it,’ she shared with reporters.
‘The Mount Annan Challenge Walk…I won that year after year after year.’
But she didn’t stop there. Heather wanted to know how she’d fare in national competitions. She wanted to compare herself with others her age, and she decided she wanted to find out.
At age 84, Heather’s physical therapist suggested that she compete in the Australian Masters Games in Adelaide. This is a week-long event where athletes all over the country compete in various sports from different athletic disciplines.
Undeterred by the competition, Heather entered all four walking events available. And she came home with four gold medals around her neck.
Heather finally had an answer to her questions. As it turns out, she’s a great athlete.
‘I was sort of beating younger women, and I felt quite pleased with myself.’ Heather also realised that she wasn’t ‘too bad for her age’.
On her way home, Heather discovered that the time she recorded at the Games was close to the times of world record holders in her age group. Of course, this prompted Heather to claim some of those records herself. What a powerhouse!
In 2012, she entered a 5km event in Bankstown with a record of 42:5.30 – a new Australian record claimed by Heather.
Soon after, she broke four more Aussie records in the same year, plus two world records in 3km and 5km races.
‘2012, you might say, was a good year,’ she said.
She was hooked on the race, as one might put it. Heather soon dominated racewalking and now she competes in the 95-100 age group.
After an enforced break due to COVID-19 restrictions – and the lack of athletic events during this time – Heather went back to competing on October 8 of this year. This was her first event in three years.
The pouring rain during the event didn’t deter Heather from competing. In fact, she said she was ‘exhilarated’ to be back on the track.
With an impressive time of 13:45.93, Heather established the very first world record for women’s 1500m in the 95-100 age group.
A week after her historic win, Heather went back to the track to try and claim another world record. This time it was in the 400m category, set by 100-year-old US athlete Diane Friedman. With a record time of 3:10.21, Heather beat the previous record holder by more than 10 seconds.
Refusing to rest, Heather competed for the gold on October 23, eventually smashing the world record in the 800m with two and a half minutes to spare.
When asked to comment on her win, she said: ‘I smashed that one, yes.’ And we agree!
Heather now holds nine world records in racewalking.
Heather doesn’t have any secrets about her long-lasting health. She said that she and her husband were always very active and ‘had a good lifestyle’.
‘I think by keeping active and watching our diet…I think that kept us going and kept us healthy,’ she explained.
Heather’s story is extraordinary, wouldn’t you agree, members? Please remember to check in with your GP before taking up any strenuous activities!
Such is the case of Heather Lee, a 95-year-old champion racewalker, who refused to let her age stand in her way.
‘I’ve always been a great walker. You know, a fast walker, a good walker.’ This is what Heather Lee, a 95-year-old world record holder, said in a recent interview. This comes after she set a 1500m world record for the women’s 95-100 age group.
When her husband passed away some 20 years ago, he told her that ‘Now is the time to show your mettle.’ And at almost 96 years old, with nine racewalking records under her name, Heather has proven that she’s done exactly that.
Heather Lee is a formidable spirit both on and off the track. Credit: 7news
Heather was 70 years old when her husband, Len, passed away from cancer. Not long after, she joined a walking group as a casual form of exercise and to socialise.
Soon, she started participating in fun runs, from the Mother’s Day Classic, and City2Surf, to Bridge Run, and many more. It was at this point that Heather realised she was a natural athlete.
‘I think I won the Bridge Run in my age group the first time I went into it,’ she shared with reporters.
‘The Mount Annan Challenge Walk…I won that year after year after year.’
But she didn’t stop there. Heather wanted to know how she’d fare in national competitions. She wanted to compare herself with others her age, and she decided she wanted to find out.
At age 84, Heather’s physical therapist suggested that she compete in the Australian Masters Games in Adelaide. This is a week-long event where athletes all over the country compete in various sports from different athletic disciplines.
Undeterred by the competition, Heather entered all four walking events available. And she came home with four gold medals around her neck.
Heather finally had an answer to her questions. As it turns out, she’s a great athlete.
Heather at the Pan Pacific Masters Games. Credit: Masters Games AU
‘I was sort of beating younger women, and I felt quite pleased with myself.’ Heather also realised that she wasn’t ‘too bad for her age’.
On her way home, Heather discovered that the time she recorded at the Games was close to the times of world record holders in her age group. Of course, this prompted Heather to claim some of those records herself. What a powerhouse!
In 2012, she entered a 5km event in Bankstown with a record of 42:5.30 – a new Australian record claimed by Heather.
Soon after, she broke four more Aussie records in the same year, plus two world records in 3km and 5km races.
‘2012, you might say, was a good year,’ she said.
She was hooked on the race, as one might put it. Heather soon dominated racewalking and now she competes in the 95-100 age group.
After an enforced break due to COVID-19 restrictions – and the lack of athletic events during this time – Heather went back to competing on October 8 of this year. This was her first event in three years.
Despite the pouring rain, Heather competed in her first race walking event in three years. She went home with a new world record under her belt. Credit: Athletics NSW
The pouring rain during the event didn’t deter Heather from competing. In fact, she said she was ‘exhilarated’ to be back on the track.
With an impressive time of 13:45.93, Heather established the very first world record for women’s 1500m in the 95-100 age group.
A week after her historic win, Heather went back to the track to try and claim another world record. This time it was in the 400m category, set by 100-year-old US athlete Diane Friedman. With a record time of 3:10.21, Heather beat the previous record holder by more than 10 seconds.
Refusing to rest, Heather competed for the gold on October 23, eventually smashing the world record in the 800m with two and a half minutes to spare.
When asked to comment on her win, she said: ‘I smashed that one, yes.’ And we agree!
Heather now holds nine world records in racewalking.
Heather doesn’t have any secrets about her long-lasting health. She said that she and her husband were always very active and ‘had a good lifestyle’.
‘I think by keeping active and watching our diet…I think that kept us going and kept us healthy,’ she explained.
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