91-year-old breaks 400-meter dash world record, then says: 'I'm ready to croak'

Queen. Icon. Goals.
By Nicole Gallucci  on 

Diane Hoffman is a true inspiration.

At 91-years-old, Hoffman participated in the USATF New England Open & Masters Championship in Worcester, Massachusetts, this past weekend, where she broke a world record for her age group in the 400-meter dash.

After her run, while re-hydrating, Hoffman jokingly announced to her proud family members, "I’m ready to croak." Queen.

"I was flabbergasted," Hoffman, who has since turned 92, told CBS Boston in an interview. "I was so happy and thrilled for my family because I am not a runner and never have been."

Hoffman says that she started playing tennis when she was 42-years-old, and still keeps up with the sport today, but only started running last year.

In addition to setting the new 400-meter dash world record for the 90 to 94 age group, Hoffman also reportedly broke U.S. records in the 100-meter and 200-meter runs.

"You've got to move. You've got to do something for yourself. Don't let yourself stay in bed," Hoffman told CBS. "Take a walk. Ride a bike. You've gotta push yourself to make yourself do these things."

Hoffman says that before her record-breaking run someone advised her to run like the police were chasing her. So that's what she did.

The USA Track & Field New England Facebook page shared footage of Hoffman finishing the last stretch of her sprint, and as you can see, she's met with many well-deserved cheers.

Next time you're in need of some running motivation let Hoffman and her relentless sprinting spirit inspire you.

Mashable Image
Nicole Gallucci

Nicole is a Senior Editor at Mashable. She primarily covers entertainment and digital culture trends, and in her free time she can be found watching TV, sending voice notes, or going viral on Twitter for admiring knitwear. You can follow her on Twitter @nicolemichele5.


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