In a tragic turn of events, police in Punjab, India, have detained a 26-year-old driver, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, following a grievous hit-and-run that resulted in the death of Fauja Singh, recognized as the world's oldest marathon runner at the age of 114. The incident unfolded on a bustling street in Singh's native Beas Pind village, where he was out for his customary afternoon walk. Subsequent to being critically injured, Singh was rushed to the hospital but succumbed shortly after.
Reported by local authorities, the collision involved a speeding white SUV, a vehicle that has since been recovered by the police. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Singh was crossing the road when he was struck. In a heart-wrenching twist, it is alleged that the driver's immediate action to transport Singh to medical assistance might have saved his life.
Fauja Singh, who began his running journey at the age of 89, shattered records by completing nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013, and became the first centenarian to cross a marathon finish line in Toronto in 2011. He also had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch at the 2012 London Olympics. Despite these remarkable achievements, Guinness World Records could not officially recognize him due to the absence of a birth certificate from 1911, a document they deem necessary. Singh’s British passport lists his birth date as April 1, 1911, and he possessed a congratulatory letter from Queen Elizabeth II marking his centenary.
The running community has pledged to honor Singh's legacy; his charity and running club, Sikhs In The City, have planned upcoming events in Ilford, England, his home since 1992. Reflecting on his life, Singh once spoke about his humble beginnings, where he faced adversity including being teased for his physical vulnerabilities as a child. He began running later in life, motivated by profound personal losses—first losing his wife, and later, witnessing the tragic death of his son.
Singh's remarkable story of transcending hardships to achieve greatness came to wider attention when he was featured in Adidas's well-known "Impossible is Nothing" campaign alongside legends such as Muhammad Ali. As the world mourns the loss of this extraordinary figure, Fauja Singh's journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of a marathoner.
