The Athletic Feat I Achieved in My 70s

Check out my life in the fast lane.

By

Madonna Boclair Hanna

 
Published February 05, 2026
AARP (Courtesy Madonna Boclair Hanna (4), Getty Images)

I am 71 and living life in the fast lane. Over the past 16 years, I have competed in nine Washington State Senior Games. In 2024, I set a new Women’s 70-74 fifty-meter record, which stood for 15 years. Additionally, I have competed in five National Senior Games, achieving two personal bests.

I am especially proud that, at 70, I won my first National Senior Games gold medal in the 4x100-meter relay. Recently, I successfully competed in the Huntsman World Senior Championships for the first time.

My exciting journey gained national notoriety when my article, “How I Became a Track Star in My 60s,” appeared in The Ethel newsletter and caught the attention of a producer from the Today show. My segment aired twice, emphasizing that it's never too late to embark on a new sport and that living life agelessly is liberating. It also earned me the nickname “The Fast Fashionista!”

My ascent as a senior athletic champion has been both victorious and fraught with challenges. While racing at age 61, I severely ruptured my left Achilles tendon. Subsequently, my surgeon said my competitive racing days were over because of my age and the severity of the injury.

Yet, I knew deep down that I would compete again! I stayed positive during the grueling months of rehab and years of walking laps around a local track. My persistence and spiritual resilience paid off.

At 64, I was successfully competing again! Sadly, my husband, who was my first coach, passed away at the age of 72 after his third battle with cancer. His dying request was that I continue competing, which I did.

My new coach, Marcus Chambers, who was 24 when we met, was a 2020 Olympic trials hopeful in the 400-meter race. He has been my coach for six years and counting. Because of him, I now have a better understanding of sprint mechanics. Perfecting this type of racing takes more training than just running fast in a straight line.

There have been other injuries, including tight hamstrings, shin splints, sciatica and severely strained abdominal muscles. Obviously, these injuries have not derailed my mission and passion to continue competing. My entire team, devoted to my success, encourages and inspires me to continue pursuing excellence.

We’re all curious about how fit and fast I can become in my advanced years. As I move into my 70s, my racing longevity requires discipline and dedication to nutrition.

Breakfast typically consists of grains, an omelet, fresh fruit, cottage cheese and smoothies. Lunch is a leafy green salad with nuts and raisins, baked salmon or chicken. Then, dinner means more green vegetables, black beans, sweet potatoes and chicken or salmon, baked or broiled.

Along with a healthy diet, my workouts are several days a week, starting nine months before my next competition. I have designated track days and days when I lift weights. Both begin with a dynamic warm-up that includes hamstring/hip kicks, single-leg squats, lunging knees over toes and more! 

While my routines vary week to week, a typical day may be five 50-meter build-ups (starting slowly and gradually building speed), five 110-meter build-ups, six 60-meter sprints and four laps to finish.

My lifting day routine typically starts at the local YMCA with a 10-minute stationary bike ride followed by deadlifts with a kettlebell, full-body planks, goblet squats, push-ups, hamstring curls, quad-extension machines, sled pushing and more. 

That’s just a small window into how I prepare for my life in the fast lane. As for you, it’s never too late to move. Moving is an investment that will pay dividends as you advance in age. If you’re an individual who has not been active before and now wants action, walking is a great starting point. Motion is lotion!

Start with small goals, such as walking around the block and then walking the entire length of your local mall (many malls have official walking groups). You also want to buy a good pair of athletic shoes with the right fit so work with a store staff member.

Next, consider stepping up to a new challenge, perhaps participating in a short fun run and eventually moving on to a half marathon. Of course, check with your physician to see if your body is up for these new athletic steps in your life. A nutritionist can provide a dietary regimen.

My competitive track career started as a whim. Today it’s my life and my lifestyle. In my 70s, an age once considered really old, I am energized and can not only aim for my personal best but also motivate and empower others.

OK, now it’s your turn to lace up your athletic shoes and MOVE!!

Madonna Boclair Hanna is a motivational speaker, amateur competitive sprinter, actress and retired award winning educator. Her children book, Mommy, Why Are My Eyes So Big? received the 2003 Outstanding Author Award from the Washington Organization for Reading and Development. Madonna contributed to  The Best Advice Ever for Teachers (Mc Meel, Publishing) and Teachers with the Courage to Give, authored by Jackie Waldman.