Physiological characteristics of a champion runner: age 77

A world champion distance runner, age 77, was evaluated in various anthropometric, pulmonary, hematological, and cardiorespiratory measures. The subject held 14 recognized world records in track and distance running for competitors aged 74, 75, and 76 years and had 11 records pending for the 77-year-age category. He was the 1975 National AAU Master's class IV-b champion in the 400, 800, 1500, 5000 and 15,000 meter races. The results of the physiological measures taken exceeded those of a more sedentary population of comparable age, were similar to reported values for other Master athletes, and approached the standards noted for much younger runners. The largest age-related decrements were observed in measures of maximal heart rate, maximal pulmonary ventilation, and maximal oxygen consumption. The general reduction in aerobic power was attributed to a combination of pulmonary, circulatory, and metabolic factors in addition to training consideration.