CLEVELAND — Among thousands of athletes competing in the 2024 Pan-American Masters Games in Cleveland this week, one stands out. Not for his speed, but his stamina.
“It’s great fun," Martin said. "And what else can you do when you’re that age? What other goals can you achieve?"
Now 98 years young, Martin is the oldest of the 4,000 athletes from nearly every U.S. state and 78 countries who are competing at the Pan-American Masters Games.
“Breathing is the problem for me. Getting enough air in your lungs to keep going,” Martin said just minutes after his finish of the 200-meter race for 85 to 89-year-olds. “But the biggest problem is in here. The brain. As you get older, the brain becomes more important I believe than the physical because it’s the brain that will give you the discipline — the impetus — to get out of bed and do the hard yards.”
It’s not an easy task getting up each morning to train, but Martin is persistent. He only wishes there were more near his age to share the track with, as he competes in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter races as well as the javelin and discus.
“No competition! Where are they?! Where are the 90-year-olds?” he asked with a smile.
Other athletes competing also showed that behind every race — and every finish — is a journey just to be able to compete.
“Just feeling blessed. Grateful just to be able to do this. Just been through a lot,” Troy Lloyd said.
Lloyd is from Chicago and currently living in Detroit. Four years ago, the 33-year-old never imagined he’d be where he is today, competing with thousands at the Pan-American Masters Games in Cleveland.
“Instead of sitting in my misery I told myself I got to go back to something that saved my life. That helped me fight,” Lloyd said.
During a painful time in his life, running and his faith helped him to keep moving forward.
“It’s just amazing because I trained alone. Have no training partners. No coach. It’s just all me. It’s all mental. So, if you just believe in yourself, you can do anything. Just believe in God. Just grateful that’s all,” he said.
Other athletes have been competing for years, including 61-year-old Janean Shannon who has been throwing and racing since 2014. She has around 200 medals to prove it and to inspire others to lace up.
“Unless you get out there and try and push — you’d be surprised how quickly they’ll improve at their age,” Shannon said.
Perhaps no one is a better example of pushing past your age than Martin. He’s not sure how much longer he’ll be running.
“Well, who knows? I can’t say. I’m just as likely to drop dead tomorrow,” he said.
But Martin plans to show up and finish each race with all the speed and strength he can muster for as long as he can.
“It keeps you fit. It makes sure you maintain a level of exercise. And so, the end result you end up enjoying life to a great old age,” Martin said.
Wednesday was the final day for track and field events. There are 23 sports total and it wraps up Sunday with a half marathon.