rssOct 16, 2026, 10:00

Rietje (87) trains for world record at 100: "I'm just going to try"

Eighty-seven-year-old Amsterdam resident Rietje Dijkman continues to train regularly for athletics competitions despite having two artificial hip replacements. She recently set a new Dutch record in the long jump and is now working toward her ambitious goal of breaking the world record for the 100-meter dash at age one hundred.

Eighty-seven-year-old Rietje Dijkman, a resident of Amsterdam, continues to train at the local AV23 athletics track several times a week despite having two artificial hips. Her journey into athletics began at age 45 on the advice of a doctor to manage severe back pain, and she has since evolved into a competitive athlete. Recently, she set a Dutch record in the long jump for the 85-plus age category during a tournament in Germany, proving that her determination outweighs the medical risks associated with her age and physical condition.

Rietje refuses to slow down and has set her sights on a new long-term goal: breaking the 100-meter world record when she reaches the age of one hundred. She draws inspiration from centenarians in the United States who continue to compete and remains committed to regular training sessions. With a pragmatic attitude toward her health and performance, she intends to keep active for as long as she lives, focusing on steady progress rather than perfection.

Lifestyle Health Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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