Flo Meiler, 91, Holds Two World Records in Pole Vault and Triple Jump
The Shelburne, Vermont athlete began competing in track and field at age 60 after a friend encouraged her to try the long jump.
By Isabella Castillo ·
Flo Meiler, a 91-year-old resident of Shelburne, Vermont, holds world records in the pole vault and triple jump and continues to compete in track and field. Her home displays medals she has won, most of them gold and some silver.
Meiler started competing at age 60. Her friend Barbara Jordan encouraged her to try the long jump at the Vermont Senior Games, and Meiler continued from there. Jordan died a decade ago. "I miss her so much," Meiler said.
Meiler said she cannot jump as she once did but still enjoys competing. When she feels her pace slowing, she adds more exercises. She said she is happy to keep running the track. Other athletes approach her to say she has inspired them, and she described that as a wonderful feeling.
University of Vermont freshman Jason Lei is among those she has inspired. "I want to be moving like you when I'm older as well," Lei told Meiler. Her husband of 65 years, Gene Meiler, said, "She's impressed me, that's for sure. That's why I married her. She impressed me."
Meiler said, "I'm very happy. The good Lord has given me my health and my talent." No future competitions are listed in the source material.
Source: WQCW
