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Winning the Race Against Time (17 photos)

Angela Jimenez’s new book, Racing Age, explores a level of athleticism that many may not know was possible: competitive masters track & field for those athletes aged sixty and over. Jimenez, a former collegiate track & field multi-event athlete, has spent the last nine years traveling across the United States and Europe, photographing 81-year-olds jumping hurdles, 87-year-olds throwing discuses, and 76-year-olds pole vaulting. “Because they defy visual stereotypes, these athletes surprise us,” she said. “They are not weak, or vulnerable, or just cute: they are fierce and competitive. It is inspiring and brave, but can also be scary to see an older person push the body to its limits.”

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A senior long jumper competes in the 80-84-year-old age division at the 2007 World Masters Championships Stadia (track and field competition) at Riccione Stadium in Riccione, Italy on September 6, 2007. Some 9,000 male and female athletes over the age of 35 and from 90 countries competed in two weeks of track and field events at the 17th annual event. The event is run by the World Association of Masters Athletes, the organization designated by the IAAF (The International Association of Athletics Federations) to conduct the worldwide sport of masters athletics. The organization runs competitions and maintains record standings in the five-year increment age divisions. (© Copyright Angela Jimenez)
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http://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2017/01/racing-age/512468/