92-Year-Old Sprinter Sets Records, Researchers Study Her Aging Muscles

BREAKING: At just 92 years old, elite sprinter Emma Maria Mazzenga is shattering records and defying age-related decline, prompting scientists to investigate her extraordinary muscle performance. Mazzenga, who resides in Padua, Italy, recently set the world record for the outdoor 200 meters for women over 90 with a time of 51.47 seconds, only to break her own record by a second shortly after.

Researchers from Marquette University and the University of Pavia are studying Mazzenga’s unique muscle composition to understand how she maintains such exceptional physical capabilities. Preliminary findings suggest her muscle mitochondria function as effectively as those of a healthy 20-year-old, and her overall cardiorespiratory fitness resembles that of someone in their 50s.

“She’s aging, but she can do things that at 91, people can’t do,” said Marta Colosio, a postdoctoral fellow involved in the study. Mazzenga’s remarkable endurance and speed are a rare phenomenon, as she often finds herself racing against the clock rather than competitors. “In Italy, it’s just me,” she noted, highlighting the lack of challengers in her age group.

Mazzenga’s journey into competitive athletics began at age 19, but she took a long hiatus after starting a family. She returned to the sport at age 53 and has since become a beacon of inspiration for older athletes. “Sports have given me so much,” she expressed. “I need action.”

Researchers are analyzing Mazzenga’s muscles on a cellular level, using samples collected during rigorous testing. They found that while her fast-twitch muscle fibers are typical for a woman her age, her slow-twitch fibers—the ones crucial for endurance—are comparable to those of a young adult. This unique combination allows her to continue sprinting at an elite level.

The implications of Mazzenga’s findings extend beyond athletics. Experts like Chris Sundberg, director of the Integrative Muscle Physiology & Energetics Laboratory, emphasize that understanding her muscle function could lead to breakthroughs in healthy aging. “She is able to keep that communication between the brain, the nerves, and the muscle at a much healthier level than what we typically see in a 90-year-old,” Sundberg explained.

As Mazzenga prepares for her upcoming races in Catania, Italy, she remains committed to her training regimen, running two to three times a week while balancing her diet with simple, nutritious meals. Her advice for fellow older athletes includes consulting a doctor before starting any fitness program and maintaining consistency in training.

The research team plans to submit their findings for peer review soon, and Mazzenga is set for further testing at the University of Pavia following her competitions. As scientists dive deeper into her remarkable case, they aim to unlock secrets that could benefit the aging population worldwide.

Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring athlete and the groundbreaking research into healthy aging. Mazzenga demonstrates that it’s never too late to get started and that with dedication, age is just a number.