Gladness Gideon
Fauja Singh, the Indian-born British marathoner globally admired as the “Turbaned Tornado,” has died in a road accident in Punjab at the remarkable age of 114.
His biographer, Khushwant Singh, confirmed the news on Tuesday via a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).
Singh was struck by an unidentified vehicle while crossing a road in his native village of Bias, located in Jalandhar district.
“My Turbaned Tornado is no more,” Singh’s biographer wrote. “Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.”
Born on April 1, 1911, though without a formal birth certificate—common for the era—Singh rose to international fame for taking up long-distance running at the extraordinary age of 89. He was inspired to begin racing after the deaths of his wife and son, having seen marathons broadcast on television.
He ran his last race, a 10-kilometre event, at age 101 during the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon, finishing in just over an hour and a half. Though celebrated as the world’s oldest marathon runner, Guinness World Records never officially recognized his status due to the lack of age documentation.
Singh’s story became a symbol of resilience, health, and late-life reinvention. He ran full marathons until age 100, carried the Olympic torch at the Athens 2004 and London 2012 Games, and featured in global ad campaigns alongside sporting icons like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.
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Known for his humility and simple lifestyle, Singh credited his stamina to daily walks, homemade yogurt, and Indian sweets such as “laddu” packed with dry fruits.
Tributes poured in from across the world, including from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hailed Singh as “extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness.”
“Fauja Singh was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination,” Modi posted.
“Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.”
Fauja Singh’s legacy transcends sport—he embodied the idea that it is never too late to pursue greatness.
