Italian woman, 91, breaks the race record – which makes her body different, according to doctors

Most 91 -year -olds are running for their armchairs. No Emma Maria Mazzenga.

The non-Augustal Italian ran through a 200-meter race in less than a minute last year, crushing the previous world record for its age group. While others were panting through the air, Mazzenga was already evaluating his next race.

Driven with their speed, doctors investigated what makes this senior sprinter Tick. Now they have discovered the unique physical traits that helped make Mazzenga one of Italy’s most unlawful athletic wonders.

A body built to move

After opening a 200-meter race in just 51.47 seconds-quaase 1.5 seconds faster than the previous world record of over 90-Mazzenga enrolled in a scientific study to help scientists better understand their powerful physiology.

Italian researchers put the queen of speed through a battery of tests, including cycling exercises, knee exercises and thigh muscle biopsies.

They found two factors -chave feeding their fire.

First, Mazzenga’s cardiorespiratory aptitude – how well his heart and oxygen from the lung pump to his muscles – were on the foot of a woman highly suitable for 50 years. The energy centers of their cells were also practically identical to a person younger decades.

Second, his muscles were incredibly unique. The slow fibers of Mazzenga-Constructed for resistance and remarkably large, letting it go through the distance without burning.

She also had a “very high percentage” of quick contraction fibers that produce powerful energy explosions. According to the researchers, they are ideal for quick and explosive movements such as running.

“This unique combination has probably contributed to its exceptional 200m Sprint performance, allowing it to maintain resistance and speed at an advanced age,” said Dr. Marta Colosio, post -doctoral fellow at Marquette University and first author of the study.

Decades in formation

So, how does a 91-year-old man end up with the body-and-running times for someone with her half her age?

Simple: She’s been putting work for decades.

Born in 1933, Mazzenga first arrived on the track during his university days, competing at 100, 200, 400 and even in the 800 -meter races. His crowned achievement was a fourth place in the national championship in Rome.

But as life continued, she became a wife, mother and chemistry teacher, putting her career on the track on hold for over two decades.

“I married in 1963,” Mazzenga told Vogue Italy. “I returned to the races in 1986 with my former teammates.”

At 53, she joined the Masters Athletics Circuit – competitive races for older corridors organized by the age group – and never looked back.

“All costs are with me, but I’m happy to do so,” she said. “The emotion that a race gives me, the adrenaline that each training session gives me, is the pure energy of my days.”

This passion is worth it.

“Lifelong exercise training can allow extraordinary performance and maintain high functional levels to the ninth decade of life,” said Colosio.

Today, she has five world records of five world records, nine European records and 28 best Italian performances in various categories of masters running.

Mazzenga, who has been a widow for over 40 years, credits running not only for keeping his body strong – but also his mind.

“This led me to difficult times, which obviously was not lacking a life for so long,” she told Reuters.

Running “also allowed me to be always surrounded by many people, so that I was never alone,” added Mazzenga.

It’s never too late

Most people who reach their 90s slow down – and for good reasons.

Aging brings a series of physiological changes, such as a decline in muscle mass, bone density, joint flexibility and general mobility. Conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis, along with lifestyle factors, such as inactivity and bad nutrition, only accelerate decline.

But researchers say physical activity can help preserve and even improve mobility in older adults, as well as prevent age -related declines, even for those who have not been athletes in a lifetime.

“Exercise is a powerful tool for promoting healthy aging,” said Colosio.

In particular, aerobic and strength exercises, along with balance training, can help the elderly to maintain mobility, independence and a high quality of life – whether or not they are pursuing world records like Mazzenga.