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TOKYO, June 19 (AFP) - A 95-year-old Japanese on Sunday set an athletics world record in the southern city of Miyazaki -- breaking the 100-meters time for men aged 95-99.
Kozo Haraguchi clocked 22.04 seconds as the sole runner in a race held in rain to slash the previous world mark of 24.01 held by an Australian, the Jiji and Kyodo news agencies said.
"It was the first time for me to run in rain. I kept thinking to myself that I should not slip before crossing the finish line," he said.
In 2000 Haraguchi established a world record for the ages of 90-94 at 18.08 in an athletic event.
He began competing in track and field when he was a mere 65 to try to stay in shape, and takes an hour-long walk around his neighborhood every morning.
Asked if he will challenge the record for centenarians, he replied: "I will try as long as I can hold out."
The organizers of Sunday's athletic event said they will apply for official recognition of the record from the World Masters Athletics. The body administers athletics events for women aged at least 35 and men not less than 40.
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