On being a 95-year-old track star

Vancouver writer and marketing consultant Roxanne Davies, BA 76, saw her second book published this month — on the sporting life of Olga Kotelko who, at 95, still competes around the world in senior track and field meets.

The accomplished sprinter claims her specific exercise routine and food regimen contribute to her ability to perform at a level of someone 30 years her junior.

Davies first met Kotelko through Vancouver’s Ukrainian community and a friendship sparked. A retired primary school teacher, Kotelko only started competing in track and field events at the age of 77. Now, at over ninety, track meet organizers sometimes have difficulty finding contemporaries for her to compete against. The solution is to enter her in the men’s competition.

The athletic maven holds 26 world records, with 20 achieved in 2009.  Her record count can be attributed in part by entering more events than everyone else. She once competed in six throwing events, three sprints and three jumps at a single meet. 

Her record count can be attributed in part by entering more events than everyone else. She once competed in six throwing events, three sprints and three jumps at a single meet. 

When not competing or training, Kotelko gives talks to seniors about her sporting success and her healthy lifestyle.

Many of her followers requested a booklet to help them remember and practice her routine.

Kotelco then approached Davies to help her, knowing she had already published a book.

The nonagenarian envisioned a small information booklet. Yet Davies convinced her to share her personal story, exercise regimen, training hints, nutrition advice and recipes.

“Since Kotelko was a primary school teacher, we structured each of the nine chapters as a lesson with assigned homework,” says Davies.

“No cheating!” says Kotelko, “I want readers to do the work because that is what kept me young and active for 95 years.”

The former teacher considers herself a lifelong learner who believes in the power of education. She proves it’s never too late to learn a new skill and excel at it.

“A common problem with older people is not sleeping well at night,” says Kotelko.

“When individuals ask me what to do about it, I tell them that instead of tossing and turning in bed or counting sheep, I get up and do a workout, which tires me out sufficiently to fall back asleep.” 

The book is filled with tips on better living and includes 80 photographs of the medal-winning athlete’s exercise routine.

Kotelko claims that one of her secrets to a long existence is maintaining an orderly life by sticking to good habits. She still has the energy she did at 50 but has no answer as to where it comes from. Even for herself, it remains a mystery.

“I’m not done yet,” she says “Pole vaulting is still on my bucket list!”

Davies credits Concordia with some of her success.

“My degree in history and English helped me navigate both my personal and professional life with compassion and curiosity,” she says. “Writing books is something I do for the passion of it.”

Her first book, a family memoir, titled “Orchards, Crossroads and Dreams,” was published in 2010.