Spanish master athlete Manuel Alonso has delivered another extraordinary demonstration of longevity and endurance, setting two world records at the age of 90 and reinforcing his reputation as one of the most remarkable figures in veteran athletics.
For Alonso, running has never been merely a competitive discipline. It has become a defining part of his identity and a source of psychological strength throughout his post-working life. In a 2021 interview with the Spanish radio programme Ingrávidos, he described how sport rescued him during a difficult transition after retirement from factory work. Exhausted by long shifts and emotional fatigue, he recalled often returning home in a state of despair before discovering that running restored his sense of purpose and mental balance.
That lifelong commitment to the sport has now culminated in historic performances at the European Masters Athletics Championships held in Toruń, Poland. Competing in the men’s +90 category, Alonso produced a stunning double gold-medal achievement in the 800 metres and 1500 metres events, breaking world records in both disciplines within days of each other.
His first record came in the 800 metres, where he produced a time of 3:34.22. This performance surpassed the previous world record of 3:42.52 set in 2019 by Canada’s Earl Fee, marking a significant improvement in the category and underlining Alonso’s exceptional physical conditioning.
Just two days later, he returned to the track for the 1500 metres final and delivered another remarkable display of endurance. He completed the race in 7:00.81, securing gold once again and comfortably breaking the previous world record of 7:55.12 held by Mongolia’s Radnaa Sereen. The scale of improvement in both events highlighted not only his competitive consistency but also his extraordinary resilience at an age when elite athletic participation is exceptionally rare.
World Record Performances
| Event | Time Achieved | Previous Record | Previous Record Holder |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 metres (+90 category) | 3:34.22 | 3:42.52 | Earl Fee (Canada) |
| 1500 metres (+90 category) | 7:00.81 | 7:55.12 | Radnaa Sereen (Mongolia) |
The championships proved highly successful for Spain as a whole. The national team collected a total of 121 medals, comprising 32 gold, 48 silver, and 41 bronze, securing fourth place in the overall standings. They finished behind Germany, who dominated with 296 medals, followed by Poland with 222 and Great Britain with 189.
Beyond Alonso’s individual heroics, Spanish athletes enjoyed a highly productive campaign, setting 20 national records and contributing to three world records in total. This collective achievement reflected the growing strength and depth of Spain’s masters athletics programme, which continues to produce high-level performances across age categories.
Alonso’s story stands out not only for its statistical significance but also for its human impact. His transformation from a fatigued industrial worker into a world-record-holding nonagenarian athlete embodies discipline, perseverance and the enduring power of sport to reshape lives, regardless of ag