Police have arrested a driver following a hit-and-run incident that led to the death of Fauja Singh, celebrated as the oldest marathon runner in the world. Amritpal Singh Dhillon, the 26-year-old suspect, was reportedly speeding when he collided with the 114-year-old British-Indian athlete in the northern state of Punjab, where Singh was taking his regular afternoon stroll.
Singh suffered severe injuries from the collision and was rushed to a local hospital, but unfortunately passed away shortly thereafter. The incident unfolded near Singh’s birth village, Beas Pind, not far from Jalandhar city. Authorities have recovered the white SUV allegedly involved in the tragic event. Reports suggest that the driver's immediate action could have potentially saved Singh's life, as he failed to transport him to the hospital promptly.
Fauja Singh made headlines globally, securing various marathon records including being the first person over the age of 100 to complete a full marathon in Toronto in 2011. He also had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch during the London 2012 Olympics. Despite his incredible accomplishments, Singh faced challenges in being recognized officially by Guinness World Records due to the absence of a birth certificate from 1911, as he was born in a time when such documents were not issued in India.
The running club and charity Sikhs In The City, which supports Singh's legacy, expressed plans to honor his life during their upcoming events in Ilford, London, where he had lived for many years. Singh’s story is one of perseverance, overcoming adversity with personal tragedies that shaped his late entry into marathon running. After losing both his wife and younger son in the early 1990s, Singh found solace in jogging with a group of older men from his local gurdwara, which ultimately launched his extraordinary running career.
His captivating journey into the world of athletics was further popularized when Adidas featured him in their groundbreaking 2004 marketing campaign, "Impossible is Nothing," alongside other notable figures like Muhammad Ali. As tributes pour in from around the world, his life continues to inspire individuals of all ages, demonstrating the power of resilience and determination.
